Sustainable educational processes
The climate crisis deeply transforms society and the environment, posing new challenges for education. Researchers from Leibniz University Hannover and the Universities of Hamburg, Kassel, Halle-Wittenberg, and Münster—experts in biology, chemistry, and physics education—have published the Handbook on Climate Education.
The volume brings together leading voices from science, education, and policy, combining research articles and practical examples. It serves as a reference work for teachers, educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking innovative strategies to promote climate literacy across all educational levels. Focusing on how education fosters sustainable action and civic responsibility, the handbook summarizes current research on the effectiveness of climate education and provides didactic strategies to counter misinformation and psychological barriers.
The role(s) of chemistry in climate change: causes and chances
Professor Andreas Nehring (Leibniz University Hannover) highlights in his chapter “Climate Education in Chemistry Teaching – Submicroscopic Insights and Global Implications” the central role of chemistry in understanding and addressing the climate crisis. His contribution links molecular properties to global effects and discusses curricular integration, future research directions, and classroom examples promoting deeper climate awareness.
The publication sends a clear message: climate education is a cross-cutting task. It illustrates how climate-related topics can be anchored in school, university, and continuing education, encouraging interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches. In Lower Saxony, the Climate Action Year 2026 aims to link educational initiatives and training programs to strengthen sustainable learning structures.
Handbook on Climate Education, edited by Dietmar Höttecke, Susanne Heinicke, Helge Martens, Andreas Nehring, and Thorid Rabe. 843 pages, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, published 19 October 2025.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-48374-6
