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Vol. 9 (2025): Sustainable Science and Resources

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Submitted
21 February 2025
Published
7 January 2026
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Promoting Climate-Smart Education for Economic Sustainability

https://doi.org/10.55168/ssr2809-6029.2025.9004
Kofi Mpuangnan
University of Zululand
Hlengiwe Romualda Mhlongo
School of Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies University of South Africa

Corresponding Author(s) : Kofi Mpuangnan

mpuangnanK@unizulu.ac.za

Sustainability Science and Resources, Vol. 9 (2025): Sustainable Science and Resources

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a significant global challenge, with particularly devastating consequences for developing countries with rapidly emerging industries. Sustainable development is critical in these areas. As a result, Climate-Smart Education is critical for integrating climate change knowledge and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of industries. As a result, this study examines strategies for advancing Climate-Smart Education to improve economic sustainability, with a focus on developing countries. To accomplish this, a commentary approach was used to review existing literature, policies, and current practices, and suggested actionable strategies. The findings suggest that strategies such as public-private partnerships, digital advisory services, and incorporating climate-smart principles into formal education can help to close knowledge gaps and boost resilience. Adapting initiatives to the socioeconomic realities of rural and peri-urban areas, along with coordinated policy efforts, is critical. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate teacher training, and cultural resistance, particularly in developing countries, may impede the successful implementation of climate change education. It was suggested that policymakers ensure the implementation of climate-smart principles in key sectors such as education, industry, agriculture, and the environment. This can promote a unified and coordinated approach to climate resilience and sustainability.

Keywords

Climate ChangeClimate-Smart EducationEducationDeveloping CountriesSustainability
Mpuangnan, K., & Romualda Mhlongo, H. . (2026). Promoting Climate-Smart Education for Economic Sustainability. Sustainability Science and Resources, 9, 53–70. https://doi.org/10.55168/ssr2809-6029.2025.9004
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Author Biographies

Kofi Mpuangnan, University of Zululand

Department of Educational Foundations, University of Zululand, South Africa

Hlengiwe Romualda Mhlongo, School of Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies University of South Africa

School of Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, South Africa

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