Title: Tackling the climate crisis through English language teaching (ELT) 

Panelists: Neil Harris and Harry Waters

The growing urgency of the climate crisis is driving educators worldwide to rethink how they approach language teaching. In this session, Neil Harris and Harry Waters present an innovative approach to climate change education, showing how it can be seamlessly integrated into English language teaching (ELT).

This project, based in Vietnam, not only highlights the importance of building a self-sustaining educational network but also equips educators with the tools to foster a changemaker mindset among teachers and students alike.

Strategies for promoting classroom discussions that encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas on climate change are explored, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools and resources to create a lasting impact in their classrooms.

The session delves into traditional and modern teaching strategies, examining the environmental impact of printing coursebooks and the challenges ELT faces as both a contributor to and a victim of the climate crisis.

Neil Harris is a UK-based teacher and trainer who has worked on projects for the British Council Viet Nam. Harry Waters is the founder of Renewable English and a climate activist. Together, they led a 10-week online program to raise awareness of the climate crisis among teachers in Vietnam.

Teaching Tools and Resources for Climate Change Education

This session provides educators with essential English language teaching materials designed to incorporate climate change education into their lessons. Through practical resources such as lesson plans and activities, teachers can engage students of all ages, helping them understand the climate crisis and its global impact.

Focusing on young learners, the session emphasizes embedding environmental topics into everyday lessons. Teachers are guided on how to integrate sustainable education principles using language-based activities with real-world examples.

Additionally, it promotes project-based learning to highlight issues like the deforestation of the Amazon and plastic pollution, while also addressing eco-anxiety by turning student concerns into actionable solutions.

By applying these strategies, teachers can enhance students' English language skills while deepening their understanding of critical environmental challenges.

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