14 Europese green deal

This module is dedicated to the objective of making Europe a climate-neutral continent, part of the Jean Monnet educational resources on the European Union for teachers at VUB. It covers the European and legal frameworks of education within the 'Urban Education' module in the educational master program.

The education sector, like all sectors, needs to actively contribute to addressing climate change by teaching students how to live and act sustainably.

It is essential for education to teach students about climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability to contribute to a greener future.

Focus on how the Green Deal goals are pursued, the achievements of the Green Deal, and Europe's leading role in transitioning to a climate-neutral society.

Europe aims to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, emphasizing clean air, water, healthy soil, biodiversity, sustainable food, clean energy, sustainable jobs, and transitioning towards a just and sustainable future.

Measures include reducing emissions in all sectors, integrating renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and eco-design, maximizing offshore wind energy use, sustainable food production, recycling batteries and plastics, biodiversity protection, waste management, and sustainable blue economy and fisheries.

The framework is designed to help education institutions incorporate sustainability in their curriculum, focusing on complexity of sustainability, sustainable action, and the competencies needed for the green transition.

Initiatives like the Eco-Schools program and the development of an Eco-code for schools aim at creating a sustainable learning and living environment, promoting positive changes through energy-efficient buildings and greener catering.