The seventh international Teachers’ Climate Change Forum was held at Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station from 1 to 3 September 2024. Participants and teachers from seven countries enjoyed collaborative learning, interaction, workshops and daily lectures. This year’s topic was teacher–researcher collaboration. In traditional Finnish style, the participants had the opportunity to relax in a sauna, barbecue and hike in the forest together. The forum was organised collaboratively by the University of Helsinki’s Academic Outreach Network (part of LUMA Centre Finland) and the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR).
The annual Teachers’ Climate Change Forum brings together teachers from all over the world to learn more about climate change and related research and teaching. First held in 2017, the forum is aimed at all teachers interested in climate education and develops their professional skills through versatile talks and workshops.
Co-design and climate education at Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station
The keynote speaker was Professor Ying-Shao Hsu of the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). She focused on co-design, an approach embracing all perspectives and engaging specialists in various fields.
“This type of climate education is fundamental to our country’s mission. Some of our multinational conglomerates collaborate with science educators,” she says.
It is important to communicate about climate change, related research and climate education to the general public as well. Ying-Shao Hsu explains that a broad consensus on climate issues is being sought in Taiwan too.
An enlightening and enjoyable experience for teachers and future generations
The feedback regarding the forum has been very positive. Topics of interest to the participants included the use of open data in teaching, collaborative discussion and design, and the enhancement of student motivation.
A group of general upper secondary school students and staff calling themselves Climate Warriors focus on engaging students as sustainability educators, establishing friendships, promoting a collaborative approach and using social media to resolve climate issues and increase climate awareness. Pictured, from left, teacher Jarmo Lehtinen, students Milla and Wilma, and teacher Merja Kuisma.
The forum organisers from the University of Helsinki are actively involved in climate education. From left, Specialist Topias Ikävalko, Online Moderator Juliana Friedrichsen, Doctoral Researcher Janina Taurinen and the forum’s deputy director, Senior University Lecturer Taina Ruuskanen. Missing from the photo is the forum’s director and founder, Professor Maija Aksela of the University of Helsinki, who is also Director of LUMA Centre Finland.
In Hyytiälä, the forum participants explored the wonders of the forest, forestry research and the effects of climate change.
Both teachers and younger participants appreciated the sense of community and the chance to learn in nature and exchange ideas.
Teachers and researchers enjoyed a visit to the SMEAR II research station and came away with a wealth of knowledge about forests and climate change.
In the photo, participants are getting ready for a nature walk led by Senior University Lecturer Taina Ruuskanen. Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station operates under the auspices of the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The new international, multidisciplinary building visible in the photo was completed last year and nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2024.
Workshops were held outside in a hybrid format, both on site and remotely. The programme in Hyytiälä included the creative generation of a vision for a sustainable future.
Event materials and lectures are available here. By creating a profile, you can easily log in and explore the latest climate education resources.
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Writer:
Jemima Unger, specialist in communication and community relations, LUMA Centre Finland (University of Helsinki)
