{"id":854,"date":"2026-04-01T08:04:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T07:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/?p=854"},"modified":"2026-04-02T12:29:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T11:29:07","slug":"adapt-ed-climate-adaptation-through-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/2026\/04\/01\/adapt-ed-climate-adaptation-through-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Adapt-Ed: Climate Adaptation through Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"544\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/Adapt-Ed-logo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-857\" style=\"width:202px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/Adapt-Ed-logo.jpg 544w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/Adapt-Ed-logo-243x300.jpg 243w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the project<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adapt-Ed is a collaborative project led by Sheffield Hallam University, working with The Green Estate, Sheffield City Council and Let\u2019s Go Zero to support primary schools in responding to climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focusing on flooding, overheating and water scarcity, the project helps schools in Sheffield\u2019s most climate-vulnerable communities to understand local risks and take practical action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through a combination of teacher development, curriculum innovation and outdoor learning, Adapt-Ed demonstrates how education can play a central role in building climate resilience\u2014both within schools and across communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project Team <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/profiles.shu.ac.uk\/9581-lee-jowett\">Lee Jowett &#8211; PI<\/a> &#8211; Sheffield Hallam University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/profiles.shu.ac.uk\/896-aimee-ambrose\">Professor Aimee Ambrose<\/a> &#8211; Sheffield Hallam University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/profiles.shu.ac.uk\/10070-panagiota-blouchou\">Dr Panagiota Blouchou<\/a> &#8211; Sheffield Hallam University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/laurie-kooben-a5892352\/\">Laurie Kooben<\/a> &#8211; Sheffield Hallam University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alice-jones-56a223a1\/\">Alice Jones<\/a> &#8211; The Green Estate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hannah-wallace-29587720b\/\">Dr Hannah Wallace<\/a> &#8211; The Green Estate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarah-slowther-415913221\/\">Sarah Slowther<\/a> &#8211; The Green Estate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Adapt-Ed matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Climate change is already affecting schools in the UK. Rising temperatures, increased flood risk and water stress are disrupting learning environments and disproportionately impacting disadvantaged communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this, much of the focus in education has been on reducing emissions, rather than <strong>preparing for the impacts of climate change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adapt-Ed addresses this gap by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bringing <strong>climate adaptation into everyday teaching<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connecting learning to <strong>local, real-world risks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting schools to become <strong>community hubs for resilience<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sheffield provides an ideal context\u2014combining high flood risk, urban heat island effects and socio-economic inequalities\u2014making the learning both urgent and highly relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What we\u2019re doing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adapt-Ed works with five primary schools, up to 10 teachers and around 300 pupils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key activities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Teacher CPD<\/strong><br>Bespoke training to help teachers embed climate adaptation into the curriculum using research-informed approaches.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Curriculum development<\/strong><br>Co-designed lessons focused on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Flood risk and resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drought and water scarcity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overheating and urban heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food systems and nature-based solutions<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outdoor and experiential learning<\/strong><br>Hands-on sessions delivered with The Green Estate, linking classroom learning to real environments.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School-based action<\/strong><br>Supporting schools to integrate adaptation into their <strong>climate action plans<\/strong> and implement practical changes on site.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community engagement<\/strong><br>Showcases and events to involve families and amplify local voices in climate decision-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Our approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adapt-Ed combines research, practice and community engagement through a mixed-methods, participatory approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Co-design learning with teachers and partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use place-based, creative and experiential methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply Sheffield Hallam\u2019s Research-Informed Climate Education (RICE) framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continuously adapt delivery based on feedback and evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This ensures the project is both rigorous and practical, with immediate benefits for schools and transferable learning for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What difference will it make?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For pupils<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased understanding of climate risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stronger connection to nature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater confidence and agency to act<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For teachers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improved confidence to teach climate adaptation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to high-quality, adaptable resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For schools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Integration of adaptation into climate action planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical steps towards more resilient buildings and grounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greater awareness and engagement with local climate risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunities to shape local policy and action<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Beyond Sheffield<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project will produce case studies, resources and policy insights, shared nationally through networks such as Let\u2019s Go Zero, helping scale impact across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adapt-Ed is delivered through a strong partnership:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sheffield Hallam University<\/strong> \u2013 Project lead, research and evaluation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Green Estate<\/strong> \u2013 Delivery of outdoor learning and community engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sheffield City Council<\/strong> \u2013 Policy alignment through Built for Change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Let\u2019s Go Zero<\/strong> \u2013 National dissemination and scaling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Timeline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>March 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Project launch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spring\u2013Summer 2026<\/strong> \u2013 CPD, curriculum delivery and school activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Summer 2026<\/strong> \u2013 School showcases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Autumn 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Final evaluation and dissemination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Get involved<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re keen to connect with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schools interested in climate adaptation education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local and national partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Researchers and practitioners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy and sector organisations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Get in touch to collaborate, learn more or explore how Adapt-Ed can support your work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lee Jowett<\/strong><br>Sheffield Hallam University<br>Climate Change and Sustainability Research Fellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/All-logos.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/All-logos.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/All-logos-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/All-logos-768x289.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About the project Adapt-Ed is a collaborative project led by Sheffield Hallam University, working with The Green Estate, Sheffield City Council and Let\u2019s Go Zero to support primary schools in responding to climate change. Focusing on flooding, overheating and water scarcity, the project helps schools in Sheffield\u2019s most climate-vulnerable communities to understand local risks and &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/2026\/04\/01\/adapt-ed-climate-adaptation-through-education\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Adapt-Ed: Climate Adaptation through Education&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":4,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,4],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-project-descriptions","category-projects","tag-climate-action"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=854"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/854\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":878,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/854\/revisions\/878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}