By Big3Africa News Desk
A growing global shift toward environmentally responsible education is underway, with new UNESCO data showing that more than 96,000 schools across 93 countries have adopted green practices recommended by the UN agency.
The findings highlight accelerating efforts by education systems to integrate sustainability into daily school operations and curricula.
According to UNESCO, the uptake reflects a broader recognition that schools must play a central role in shaping climate-conscious generations.
The green practices adopted include water and energy conservation measures, waste reduction programs, tree-planting and greening of school compounds, climate-responsive infrastructure, and classroom content that builds learners’ understanding of climate change.
UNESCO officials say the momentum demonstrates that schools are increasingly moving from theory to action. “
The report notes that adoption levels vary by region, but low- and middle-income countries are showing some of the fastest growth, driven by climate vulnerability and the need for locally-relevant adaptation skills.
Many schools have reportedly turned to low-cost, high-impact interventions such as school gardens, rainwater harvesting, recycling initiatives, and environmental clubs that place learners at the center of green action.
In Africa, UNESCO points to encouraging signs in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ghana, where ministries of education have begun integrating environmental literacy into national curricula.
Several schools are also pursuing the “whole-school sustainability” approach, which embeds climate action into infrastructure, administration, teaching, and community engagement.
However, the agency warns that despite the progress, millions of schools still lack the resources needed to implement even basic green measures. These include limited funding, capacity gaps, and inadequate teacher training, particularly in regions already bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
UNESCO is calling for greater investment from governments, development partners, and the private sector to expand the reach of green practices. The agency argues that climate-ready schools are not only essential for environmental protection but are also critical for safeguarding the wellbeing of learners amid rising global temperatures, extreme weather, and resource pressures.
