Ireland Launches GreenFutures: First Programme to Link AI Literacy and Climate Education

DUBLIN — Ireland has launched the first national school programme to link artificial intelligence literacy with climate education. GreenFutures, a free four-lesson programme for Transition Year students, was officially launched with the aim of helping young people understand how AI and climate change are reshaping their world.

The programme was developed by the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology at Trinity College Dublin in partnership with UNESCO through its Venice office, and is supported by Huawei Ireland. It was launched by the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth.

What the AI climate education programme teaches

Across four connected classroom-ready lessons, students explore climate change through data; artificial intelligence, ethics and climate solutions; sustainable systems spanning energy, nature, food and cities; and climate justice, futures thinking and green innovation.

Through classroom resources, real-world case studies and interactive activities, students examine how AI and digital technologies are being used to understand climate change, monitor biodiversity and support more sustainable systems. They also consider energy consumption, responsible innovation and climate justice.

Rather than simply teaching students what to think, GreenFutures encourages them to think critically — to ask better questions, evaluate evidence and consider how technology can be developed and used responsibly.

Launched during Ireland’s EU Council Presidency

The launch took place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, feeding into a wider European conversation about how science education can prepare young people for a future shaped by AI, climate change and rapid technological change.

The programme is one of five pilot initiatives selected under UNESCO’s “Digital Futures for a Smart Europe” project, implemented by UNESCO’s Venice office and funded by Huawei Technologies, which assesses digital and green innovation ecosystems in five countries. According to UNESCO, the GreenFutures initiative reflects its commitment to “action-oriented, holistic, scientifically grounded and inclusive approaches to climate change”.

It is part of a broader trend: the Philippines has moved to put climate literacy into every classroom from kindergarten to high school, showing how climate awareness is becoming core curriculum worldwide.

FAKTA

• Programme: GreenFutures
• Developed by: Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, Trinity College Dublin
• Partners: UNESCO (Venice office); supported by Huawei Ireland
• Launched by: Minister of State Niamh Smyth
• Audience: Transition Year students (Ireland)
• Format: Free four-lesson programme with classroom-ready resources

Conclusion

As AI and climate change increasingly shape every career, GreenFutures offers Irish students an early start on the two literacies that will define their futures — a model other countries may well watch closely.