Today's high school students will be the key generation for 2050 net-zero transition 25 years from now. Climate change education at the high school level is foundational for developing the literacy and capacity for action of today's youths. The Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education, starting with "capacity building for high school teachers," are driving climate education and allowing it to take root from the ground up. On August 18, the "High School Teacher Climate Change Capacity Building Workshop" was held at the Green Garden Hall of Taichung Municipal Taichung Girls' Senior High School, integrating resources from the high school centers for geography, biology, and earth science, National Taiwan Normal University's Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education, National University of Kaohsiung's Center for New Energy & Electricity Development, and others. Nearly 80 teachers from a wide range of subjects, including geography, physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, health care, and special education, gathered to enhance professional competencies and explore how to integrate climate education into the classroom.

At the opening, Principal Hong You-Ling of Taichung Girls' High School pointed out that climate education should be manifested not only in the classroom but also through practical action. Using the example of students participating in Green River environmental revitalization, she illustrated how youths can start from their communities to deeply experience the importance of environmental protection and climate action.

Minister Chi-Ming Peng of the Ministry of Environment delivered a speech titled "New Targets for Carbon Reduction and Green Talent Development," sharing insights inspired by high school students' suggestions at recent carbon reduction policy public hearings and emphasizing that the government must lead proactively in high school climate education. The day's event integrated the educational resources of Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh of National Taiwan Normal University, En-ROADS Ambassador Professor Hsing-Lung Lien from National University of Kaohsiung, Professor Hsun-Ling Bai from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and other experts. In the future, plans include online courses for high school students integrated with learning portfolios, and extending climate change–related competitions to foster net-zero action competence among the younger generation.

Minister Peng also introduced the new national carbon reduction targets and carbon pricing mechanism put forward by the Presidential Office's National Climate Change Committee. He shared the "German Green Technology Industry and Market Report," focusing on the seven key industries: circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, mitigation and prevention technologies, sustainable forestry and agriculture, sustainable transportation, and water resource management. He emphasized that his ministry is promoting circular economy transformation, green growth investment, and the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, encouraging teachers to guide students to leverage creativity, participate in green-collar industries, and inject new momentum into the country.

The day's workshop focused on mitigation and adaptation：

•Mitigation: In addition to Minister Peng analyzing the latest domestic and international climate policy trends, four En-ROADS Ambassadors including Professor Hsing-Lung Lien from National University of Kaohsiung led teachers in group exercises using an international climate simulation tool. They also conducted scenario projections and role-playing to simulate the perspectives of stakeholders such as the government, industry, and environmental groups and to formulate concrete action plans.

•Adaptation: Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh of National Taiwan Normal University guided teachers in reviewing climate impact issues and demonstrated how to integrate adaptation actions into curricula. Hong Yi-Wen, a teacher at the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University, conducted an inquiry-based teaching practicum, assisting fellow teachers in designing classroom activities that lead students to actively engage in critical thinking.

This workshop also welcomed junior and elementary school teachers from Central Taiwan, and invited youth representatives from "Global Climate Network" for learning exchanges. In the afternoon, they visited Taichung City Dazhi Elementary School's "Multi-function Smart Rainwater Garden," which showcases adaptation facilities based on the sponge campus concept that incorporate flood prevention, ecology, and education. The garden also serves as a model for schools and communities to emulate.

The Ministry of Environment states that climate change is a generational challenge, net-zero transition is a national long-term task, and education is the driving force for change. Today's students will be the backbone of society in 2050, and teachers' concepts and teaching methods will profoundly influence Taiwan's sustainable resilience. In the future, the Ministry of Environment will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Education to develop more online courses and teaching resources to deepen climate literacy and capacity for action among teachers and students, working together toward a net-zero and sustainable society.