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*The Role of Primary Schools in Combating Climate Change: Teaching, Practising, and Preserving Our Environment*

_Introduction_

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. It refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, mostly caused by human activities like cutting down trees, burning fossil fuels, and poor waste management. These changes have led to global warming, floods, droughts, and loss of biodiversity—problems that are now affecting even our local communities.

_Why Teach Climate Change in Primary Schools?_

Teaching climate change in primary schools is not only important, it is urgent. Children are the leaders of tomorrow. If we help them understand the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change early, we are building a more responsible and eco-friendly future generation. Practical activities such as tree planting, waste sorting, and water conservation help pupils relate their classroom knowledge to real life. This develops their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a way that also benefits the environment.

_The Power of Practical Activities_

In the past, programs like NEWMAP (now known as ACReSAL – Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), supported by the World Bank, encouraged climate education and action. One successful approach was the culture of tree planting in schools. Pupils were made to “own” the trees they planted, naming and nurturing them like pets. Many of us can still identify the trees we planted during our own school days. This built a lasting connection with nature.

_Challenges and the Way Forward_

Sadly, today, many schools face the problem of land encroachment by local communities. This has taken away the spaces once used for tree planting, gardens, and other eco-friendly school projects. We must find ways to protect school lands and revive these activities.

The intervention by Oando Foundation and other stakeholders in supporting climate education in primary schools is a welcome idea. Their efforts prove that the primary education subsector is a key driver in achieving environmental sustainability. By reactivating tree planting and eco-club activities, schools can become agents of change once again.

_Conclusion_

The classroom can be a powerful place to start solving the climate crisis. When pupils are taught and given the chance to practise what they learn, it opens up a future of possibilities—green jobs, healthier communities, and a safer planet. Now is the time to act, and primary schools must be at the heart of this movement.