Monash University's Climate Change Communication Research Hub has partnered with the City of Casey to help the region prepare for climate challenges of the future.
The Climate Action Living Lab will involve climate and energy experts from across Melbourne teaming up with students and teachers from secondary schools in Casey to co-design climate and energy educational materials.
This pilot project will empower young people by engaging them in climate action. It aims to equip them with the knowledge and practical tools to address climate change in their homes, schools and communities.
Over 12 months, the Climate Action Living Lab will bring together teachers and students alongside scientists to co-design hands-on climate and energy lessons aligned with the Victorian curriculum. These will then be trialled in the classroom.
"Young people need opportunities to engage in climate action and educators require the skills to facilitate this engagement inside and outside of STEM subjects," said Climate Change Communication Research Hub project lead, Amelia Pearson.
"To address climate change and face the energy transition, we need a more informed public equipped with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills. Our approach empowers communities to navigate these challenges by creating space to solve climate challenges in the classroom.
"This place-based program seeks to proactively mitigate future community challenges, educating young people who will eventually be influential voices in their region."
The final materials will be distributed to all 24 secondary schools across the city, home to around 365,000 people in Melbourne's southeast.
Monash is one of six organisations chosen to partner with the council over the next 12 months to trial innovative solutions for climate action.
Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the Climate Action Living Lab will focus on three key areas: safety and climate resilience, sustainability and biodiversity and renewable energy.
"These focus areas align directly with the priorities identified by our community and we are
excited to work with our partners to tackle these challenges head-on," he said.
