426 vs 482: Can We Solve a Climate Crisis We Don’t Understand?

Two numbers. Two very different measurements. One uncomfortable question. Atmospheric CO₂ has climbed above 426 parts per million. Meanwhile, the latest OECD PISA results put 15-year-olds’ average science performance at 482 points, following years of long-term decline. The numbers cannot be directly compared. But they raise a critical question: as the climate crisis intensifies, are we preparing the next generation to understand it, challenge misinformation and take meaningful action — or simply leaving them to deal with the consequences? Climate science has never been more important. Yet misinformation, scepticism and confusion continue to shape public debate. Is science education failing to keep up? Are we teaching facts without building the ability to question, think critically and act? Estonian Youth Climate Delegate and science education researcher Marie Johanna Univer brings together Youth Climate Delegates from around the world to challenge assumptions, confront uncomfortable truths and explore what it really takes to educate a generation capable of tackling the climate crisis.