Carbon Literacy, Sustainability & Sustainable Development Goals – FAQs
This page explains carbon literacy, sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals in a clear and child-friendly way. It supports learning, understanding, and responsible thinking about the world we live in.
Understanding Sustainability
What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means taking care of the world so that people can live well today and in the future. It is about using resources wisely and looking after nature, communities, and each other.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability is important because clean air, water, food, and safe places to live help everyone stay healthy. Looking after the planet helps people, animals, and plants now and in the future.
Carbon Literacy
What is carbon?
Carbon is a natural part of the world. It is found in the air, in plants, animals, and people. Carbon helps life exist on Earth.
What is carbon literacy?
Carbon literacy means understanding how carbon is part of everyday life, how human activities affect the environment, and why caring for the planet matters.
Is carbon always bad?
No. Carbon is a natural part of life. Problems can happen when too much carbon is released into the air, which can affect the climate and environment.
Climate and the Environment
What is climate change?
Climate change means long-term changes in weather patterns around the world. These changes can affect plants, animals, oceans, and people.
Why do people talk about protecting the environment?
Protecting the environment helps keep the air clean, water safe, and land healthy. A healthy environment supports life and wellbeing.
Learning About Sustainability at School
Why do children learn about sustainability?
Learning about sustainability helps children understand how the world works, how people are connected to nature, and why care and responsibility are important.
Is sustainability taught in a child-friendly way?
Yes. Sustainability is explored through stories, practical activities, observation, and discussion that are suitable for children’s ages and understanding.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals, often called the SDGs, are a set of global goals created to help people work together to improve life on Earth.
Who created the Sustainable Development Goals?
The SDGs were agreed by many countries around the world through the United Nations to support peace, fairness, and care for the planet.
What do the Sustainable Development Goals focus on?
The goals focus on areas such as education, health, clean water, protecting nature, equality, and caring for communities.
Children, Responsibility, and the Future
Are children responsible for solving environmental problems?
No. Children are learners. Adults, communities, and leaders are responsible for making decisions. Children learn so they can understand the world and care about it.
Why is learning about the future important?
Learning about the future helps children develop curiosity, understanding, and respect for the world they are growing up in.
Important Boundaries
Does this information give advice or instructions?
No. This information is provided for learning and understanding only. Decisions and actions are always the responsibility of families, educators, and communities.
Does sustainability learning replace other subjects?
No. Sustainability learning supports and connects with subjects such as science, geography, culture, and practical life skills.