On November 3, Take Action Global (TAG), a leading climate action education organization, hosted its 6th Climate Action Day, an annual celebration of the 3.4 million teachers and students from 149 countries participating in the six-week Climate Action Project. Website: http://climateactionday.net.

“Young people worldwide are witnessing climate change and want to take action. They understand the power of collective action and of the integral role that they play in creating change at a global-level,” said TAG co-founder Jennifer Williams, as she introduced the half-day free, online event designed for all ages.

Event speakers included world leaders, leading climate scientists and researchers, international youth activists, and students and teachers showcasing their exemplar ideas, inventions, and initiatives. This year’s featured speakers include: the former President of Finland Tarja Halonen, New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, Senator the Honorable Matthew Samuda of Jamaica, and Her Royal Highness Princess Esmeralda of Belgium.

“Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges. You young people stand in the forefront.” said President Tarja Halonen.

Past speakers have included HRH Prince William, Dr. Jane Goodall, President James Michel of Seychelles, and Hakima El Haite, Minister of Environment, Morocco.

“Climate action education has an important role to tackle climate change on a global scale. It informs students, takes away climate anxiety, and brings important skills to a classroom including empathy, creativity, and problem-solving,” said TAG co-founder Koen Timmers during the event, which was supported by partners LEGO, Earth Day Organization, World Wildlife Fund, and UN Environment Programme.

During the event, students and teachers presented questions to speakers and showcased potential solutions for climate change. Schools and classrooms will receive recognition for their efforts with a certificate. Partners Earth Day and Shift Sustainability shared preliminary research results of a global survey of climate action education participants. Take Action Global also announced the first cohort of Climate Action Schools, a new network launched this fall to further support teachers and students will take action during a 10-month, school-wide climate education learning experience.