Assessing the Need for Climate Change Education Through Open and Distance Learning

Abstract

Climate change is often seen as a major threat to ecological health, human well-being, biosphere sustainability, and environmental policymaking. Climate change will have a negative impact on both human lives and natural ecosystems. Climate change puts people in developing and underdeveloped countries, especially those with poor infrastructure and educational systems, at risk. Through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and proactive efforts, the Indian government is trying to increase climate literacy, inclusive growth, and a low-carbon economy. India prioritises climate change education as a signatory to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The current study investigated the program’s requirements in terms of perceived demand, employment opportunities, target group, beneficiaries, focal areas, and educational prerequisite eligibility. This study’s findings emphasise the need of developing a climate change education curriculum at IGNOU, as well as learners’ needs
for content knowledge and associated skills. Furthermore, we may be able to significantly boost national climate literacy through open and online education.