Climate Literacy Outreach Inclusion & Diversity 2030
We are proud to announce...
Education for Sustainability is proud to announce the launch of CLOuD 2030 – Climate | Literacy | Outreach | inclUsion | Diversity, an outreach and engagement project bringing climate literacy directly to DEIS schools, funded under the Research Ireland Discover Programme.
The aim of this project is to deliver climate literacy and STEM engagement to marginalised communities across Ireland, supporting the country’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2030 Strategy and STEM Education Policy. The project empowers young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to become climate leaders within their schools and communities.
Building on the success of CLOuD 2025
CLOuD 2030 builds on the success of CLOuD 2025, also funded under Research Ireland’s Discover Programme, which engaged 545 students and teachers across DEIS schools in Dublin. Significant increases in students’ climate knowledge, confidence, and willingness to engage in community climate action was demonstrated through CLOuD 2025.
Looking ahead, CLOuD 2030 scales this programme into a, two-year regional initiative, addressing urgent national needs for inclusive, action-based STEM and climate education in marginalised communities.
What do teachers think of the programme?
Tarren worked with my class last year and this year. The programme was well structured, age-appropriate, and extremely engaging. The sessions were fun, grounded in the reality of everyday living while also making the connection to the larger, more structural issues underpinning climate change. It doesn't shy away from these difficulties, but by concentrating on giving the children knowledge, tools and confidence does so in a way that makes it seem possible to make change happen. The programme gave the children a platform to have their voices heard and ideas implemented, and they came away feeling empowered and full of energy. Tarren went above and beyond in bringing their ideas to fruition and making the connection with other agencies in the community, showing the class that they have real power over the decisions that are made in their locality and beyond. I loved the focus on creativity and connection in every session. I would say to any teacher that CLOuD really does tick all the cross-curricular boxes and offers you a chance to see your class in a new light and is a welcome respite from the often hopeless feeling we can all encounter when considering climate issues.
Collaboration is key to CLOuD 2030
Collaborating with inspiring leaders in climate literacy, diversity and inclusion, including professor and author Katriona O’Sullivan, youth volunteering organisation, Localise Youth Volunteering, and sustainable fashion community hub, Change Clothes, Education for Sustainability is building on the great work already happening in our communities to further develop active citizenship for a more sustainable future.
Led by Education for Sustainability’s Hilary McNamara and Hannah Cousins, through interactive experiences and educational workshops with our expert facilitators Tarren Leigh Agnew-Skalska and Carmel Wright, participants are introduced to concepts such as climate justice and climate literacy, empowering them to understand the challenges and solutions surrounding environmental change.
The impact of CLOuD 2025
“Having worked on this project for the past 12 months, collaborating with schools and their local communities, we can see the positive impact this programme has had for our participants, their school campuses and their communities. Our work on this project has shone a light on the opportunity and skills that lie in our communities to make a meaningful contribution to a green transition. Thanks to Research Ireland, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to further and deepen this impact, as well as expand nationally.”
"What struck me most working with young people in the heart of Dublin city was that they already had the knowledge — they were living the experience of climate challenges every day. What the CLOuD programme gave them was the language to name it, and the confidence to advocate for change. From the very first session, I could see that this was something schools had been waiting for. Teachers finally had the resources and support they needed, and students were energised, engaged, and eager to bring their families and communities along with them. These young people now feel empowered, connected, and certain that they have an essential role to play in building a sustainable future."
About the Discover Programme
The Discover Programme focuses on creating meaningful public engagement with STEM, emphasising collaboration with communities. The programme seeks to drive innovation in STEM education and public engagement, contributing to Ireland’s industry, enterprise, and societal progress.
