When making efforts to adopt sustainable practices, schools should also create learning opportunities in the classroom. Environmental education doesn’t require a separate curriculum—it can be blended into existing subjects, offering rich contexts for authentic language practice and cross-cultural exchange. Here are some ways to include environmental topics in lessons.

Language lessons

Language schools and classes can be designed to incorporate environmental themes into reading, writing, and speaking activities. Why not assign articles about global environmental issues for reading comprehension exercises? Or use sustainability vocabulary for spelling and grammar practice? Teachers could also organise classroom debates on environmental topics to develop persuasive speaking skills.

Science and geography

Science classes provide natural opportunities for environmental integration. Design experiments that measure local pollution levels, study ecosystems on school grounds, or analyse the carbon footprint of everyday activities. Geography lessons can compare environmental challenges across different countries, examine how climate affects regional sustainability practices, or map local conservation efforts—all while building subject-specific vocabulary.

Creative and digital projects

For creative subjects like art and design, students can express creativity by developing environmental campaigns, designing infographics about sustainability data, or creating digital storytelling projects about ecological issues. These projects develop technical and creative skills, while reinforcing environmental concepts. 

Real-world applications

Outside the classroom, it’s also effective to encourage learning from tangible experiences, for example by:

• Going on excursions to local sustainability initiatives.
• Inviting environmental professionals as guest speakers.
• Building partnerships with schools in other countries to compare environmental approaches.
• Challenging students to come up with sustainability solutions within the school.
• Developing community service projects that address local environmental needs.

This weaving of environmental topics throughout the curriculum will help create meaningful experiences that develop both academic skills and ecological awareness, so that sustainability isn’t just a subject to study, but a mindset relevant to every aspect of students’ lives and future careers.

Written by Stephanie Clark