STEM Education to address climate change: summary of the Colloquium on best practices in science

Climate change is a global issue that affects the entire planet, and its solution requires an interdisciplinary approach and a deep understanding of the scientific processes that cause it. This is where STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) becomes crucial, as students who grasp the key concepts behind climate change, its consequences, and how it impacts our world will have a better understanding of the risks and challenges we face. Furthermore, STEM education in the context of climate change can also help students develop important skills such as problem-solving, evidence-based decision-making, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

On July 18, 2023, the Colloquium on best practices in science, organized by STEM Academia and the Secretaría de Educación de Bogotá, provided a platform to reflect on the essential role of STEM education in combating climate change. It underscored the importance of international collaboration and the expertise of experts in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for our planet. The event, conducted in a hybrid format (both in-person and virtual), brought together prominent panelists who explored the relevance of STEM education in addressing climate change.

Panelists who participated in this event included Natalie Nicetto, Coordinator of the ALEC Project at the Office for Climate Education; Romina Morales, Coordinator of Teacher Training at INNOVEC, Mexico; Margarita Gómez, Coordinator of Teacher Training at the STEM-Academia Program in Colombia, along with other notable experts in education and environmental sciences. It also featured Mauricio Duque from the STEM-Academia Program, Yeinson Cerquera from the District Secretary of Education (SED), Sandra Liliana Rojas from the National University of Colombia, Faculty of Engineering, Densy Patricia Naranjo from IED La Toscana Lisboa, and Paola Arias from the Environmental School at the University of Antioquia.