Growing up in the Climate Crisis – Existential and Pedagogical Challenges

In a time when the ecological crisis is growing, young people are facing many challenges in their personal development and in relation to the environment. This HSE Terrace Talk explores the intersection of emotional dynamics and education, focusing on how the climate crisis affects students' emotional responses in the classroom. We will examine the diverse range of student attitudes – from highly emotional activism to apparent indifference or disengagement – and critically assess whether teachers should, can, or need to activate emotions as part of their pedagogy. 

How do students react emotionally to climate change, and how can education help them deal with these feelings in a positive way? Can emotions be used to encourage critical thinking and democratic participation, or does this border on indoctrination? How do adult projections, expectations, and desires shape the way young people engage with environmental issues?

In two short talks, Prof. Dr. Alfred Sköld (psychologist, Aalborg University) and Dr. Matthias Heil (teacher and political scientist) will share insights from their respective field. This will be followed by a moderated discussion between the speakers, and then an open exchange with the audience. Together, we will discuss how we can understand and support young people through their emotional and existential challenges in this time of ecological crisis.