write their own climate justice demands. Tis could also be framed as a letter to a pol- icy-maker or a community leader.


STRATEGY 4: HONOURING INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES


Incorporate voices from Indigenous com- munities, such as Water Walkers and Grassy Narrows. Explore the Haudenosaunee’s Great Law of Peace and the question of what effect our decisions will have on future generations. Or use the Climate Atlas of Canada, which uses climate data from hundreds of Indig- enous communities across Canada to provide insights into local and national climate issues, making it a valuable tool for discussing cli- mate justice.


THE CONNECTION BETWEEN EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH


Environmental education equips students with practical knowledge to combat climate change while helping address the psycholog- ical toll of eco-anxiety.


Research highlights the broader benefits of environmental literacy, including:


• encouraging sustainable lifestyles


• strengthening community ties through collective action


• preparing students for careers in the emerging green economy


Eco-anxiety is a real concern for youth


today and a growing public health issue, ac- cording to the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Many feel anxious, sad and power- less in the face of a rapidly changing world. Teachers can address eco-anxiety by fo-


cusing on solutions and showing students the many ways they can take meaningful action to combat climate change. Solutions- based learning empowers students to make a real impact on the world around them.


HELPING TEACHERS TAKE THE FIRST STEP


Integrating sustainability into your class- room doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small – take your next unit or task and explore how you can view it through a sus- tainability lens. You don’t have to overhaul your entire curriculum overnight. Instead, try asking simple yet meaningful questions:


• How does this topic connect to the Earth?


• How are humans or climate change im- pacting this topic?


24 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2025


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