SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION (SE): AN INPUT FACTOR FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The devastating impacts of climate change across the globe necessitate the adoption of effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Climate change policies generally outline the processes through which governments initiate and implement these strategies. This article synthesizes peer-reviewed literature to argue that sustainable education (SE) represents a crucial strategy for Nigeria to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability-oriented values among students who will become future implementers of climate change response initiatives. The study observes that the existing educational system in Nigeria is inadequately equipped to meet the requirements of global frameworks such as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Earth Summit, all of which emphasize education as a key vehicle for addressing climate change challenges. The article concludes that incorporating sustainability principles across all levels of education is essential for increasing environmental awareness and motivating students to participate actively in efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.