Conservation and sustainability education challenges to be discussed at University event
The ways in which climate and conservation issues are being taught will be the focus of a big discussion to be held at the University of Chester involving experts from Chester Zoo and WWF-UK.
Empowering Without Preaching: The Tensions and Challenges of Conservation and Sustainability Education, will take place on Wednesday, July 2 at 4pm in the University’s School of Education at its Exton Park campus. This webinar will explore the complex challenges faced by those working within conservation and sustainability education. Are educators simply informing – or are they campaigning, or even attempting to influence learner behaviour? And why do these distinctions matter?
Senior Lecturer Uná Meehan, Deputy Director of Partnerships in the School of Education, will host the discussion with Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education at Chester Zoo, along with Rosalind Mist, Director of Education and Youth Engagement at WWF-UK, plus colleagues from the wider partnership.
As the climate and biodiversity crises become increasingly urgent societal issues, the boundaries between education and activism are becoming blurred. This discussion will examine the ethical, professional, and pedagogical tensions that arise when teaching about environmental issues – and consider how people can empower both learners and educators, across disciplines and levels of study, without compromising the integrity and purpose of education.
The hybrid event, which will be hosted both in person in the Cinema Room and online via a livestream, will explore the ethical, professional, and pedagogical challenges facing educators in the environmental sector. The session will be of interest to those working in formal education, a charity, higher education, or an informal learning environment – or in one responsible for upskilling colleagues – and offers space for reflection, challenge, and connection.
Charlotte said: “I'm really excited to take part in this important conversation on climate and sustainability education. Education holds immense potential – not only for advancing wildlife conservation but also for guiding society toward more sustainable ways of living. This discussion offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we, as educators, can use that influence responsibly, and to thoughtfully consider the ethical dimensions of encouraging shifts in beliefs and behaviours.”
For more information about the event, and to book your place, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/about/events/event-details/empowering-without-preaching-the-tensions-and-challenges-of-conservation-and-sustainability-education.php .