EPALE organized two Focus Weeks: one on Art, Creativity, and Culture in Lifelong Learning (in 2021), and another on Learning Communities in Rural Areas (in 2022). When we discussed which topic we would like to focus on this year, we quickly agreed that climate change is a crucial issue. Who is concerned? What is the European Commission's position on climate change and environmental degradation? What role does adult education play in promoting sustainable development?

Throughout the last week of November, discover ten stories, including several Erasmus+ projects, that addresses topics such as sustainable agriculture, the environmental impact of avocado production, green skills, circular tourism, third-places as innovative, amongs others.

Green skills?

Green skills are essential not only for the transition to a sustainable economy but also for safeguarding the health of our planet and ourselves. These two elements are reflected in various pillars of European policy. The Green Deal, for example, aims for a sustainable, climate-neutral EU economy by 2050, with measures across sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, and industry, while fostering green innovations. The goal is to position Europe as a global leader in sustainability, accelerating the shift towards a circular economy, creating jobs, and protecting biodiversity at the same time.

The European Skills Agenda also emphasizes not just preparing people for new roles in energy, construction, and agriculture, but also promoting a climate-neutral society. This goes beyond technical skills—it calls for conscious green choices from every citizen in Europe. 

Adult learning for sustainable development

Adult education plays a central role here. Adults must not only learn how to work more sustainably but also how to live more sustainably. How can we collectively contribute to achieving daily climate goals? What skills are needed to make mindful decisions regarding energy, resources, and food? What knowledge and expertise must we share to protect our health, that of the planet, and the economy?

The shift to a sustainable society is urgent and demands the broad application of green skills at all levels. This raises important questions about how to make these skills accessible to everyone, including those with less access to education or those further from the job market.

Focus Week – November 25-29, 2024

The EPALE teams from 9 countries : Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium (Dutch and French), Germany, Austria, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, and France are organizing a focus week on “Adult Learning for Sustainable Development” to share sustainable and green initiatives.

Read more about these inspiring examples and experiences on this page. Be sure to share your own experiences and ideas so we can continue working together towards a sustainable, green, and skilled Europe!

Below, you can explore an overview of all the contributions from the upcoming focus week: