Introduction | Learning Objective | Tackling Misinformation and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) | Climate Change – Causes, Impacts, and Future Paths | Climate Denialism – Understanding and Countering It | Waste Management and Recycling | Mitigation, Consumption, and Sustainable Consumer Behaviour | Climate Behaviour and Activism | Conclusions

Introduction

Welcome to the EcoLitAct Expert Level – where you can take your knowledge to the next step! 🎯

Because of your strong results in the self-assessment, you’ve unlocked direct access to selected advanced resources.
Here, you’ll dive deeper into specific topics where you already show strong understanding — and explore cutting-edge information, inspiring examples, and expert tips. Click on the link above for quick access or scroll through the modules to the desired section.

👉 Important:
You may have been directed to this Expert Level for some topics, while still continuing to learn in the Explorer or Practitioner tracks for others — that’s perfectly normal!
Everyone’s learning journey is different, and this pathway ensures you keep growing where you’re already strong while building up in other areas.

What to do in this module:

  • Explore: Browse the resources linked under the topics where you scored high.
  • Reflect: Think critically about what you discover. How does this connect to your real-world experience?
  • Apply: Consider how this knowledge can inspire action, advocacy, or deeper study.

This is your opportunity to expand your eco-literacy even further — at your own pace, following your interests and strengths.

🌎 Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!


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Learning Objectives

By completing this module, you will:

  • Expand your understanding of advanced topics related to climate change, activism, sustainability, and critical media literacy.
  • Explore different perspectives through expert reports, videos, articles, and multimedia materials.
  • Gain inspiration for leading eco-literacy initiatives in your community.
  • Strengthen your ability to access and evaluate multilingual environmental resources.

Resource Language Options:

For each topic, you will find two types of resources:

  • 🌍 English Resources: International reports, videos, and articles for a global perspective.
  • 🏡 Local Language Resources: Materials available in your national language to make the content even more accessible and directly relevant to your context.

You can choose to explore resources in one or both languages, depending on your preference.
This way, you can build both global awareness and local insight!


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🔎 Section 1: Tackling Misinformation and Media and Information Literacy (MIL)

Welcome to the MIL Expert Section!
In this part, you’ll find advanced resources to sharpen your skills in spotting misinformation and improving critical media literacy.
Explore global and local materials that will help you build resilience against false climate narratives and become a reliable source of information in your community.

Media and information literacy: Resources that address…

This resource provides an overview of media and information literacy, emphasizing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to search, evaluate, use, and contribute information and media content effectively.

Misinformation & Information Literacy: Resources

This learning tool offers four modules designed to help users identify misinformation and fake news, providing a structured approach to understanding and combating false information.

“Fake News,” Misinformation & Disinformation: Teaching…

Temple University’s guide offers lessons, activities, and materials for teaching how to identify and avoid false information, covering various aspects of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

Media and Information Literacy and Misinformation

Part of UNESCO’s MIL4Teachers program, this unit illustrates how to conduct fact-checking and utilize related techniques and tools to combat misinformation and disinformation, offering practical guidance for educators.

In brief: Misinformation

This infographic from NewseumED provides a foundational understanding of misinformation, aiming to help individuals become more mindful of their information habits and critically assess the content they encounter.

Teaching Information Literacy in an Age of Misinformation

This article discusses broadening the focus of information literacy education to include evaluating the credibility and point of view in sources, essential skills for navigating today’s information landscape.

Resources for teaching ecomedia – ecomedialiteracy.org

This quickstart guide provides educators with a framework for integrating environmental awareness with media education, fostering ecomedia literacy.

Addressing the Climate Crisis: Classroom Experience & Critical Media Literacy

•Description: This resource discusses a new book, “Empowering Youth to Confront the Climate Crisis in English Language Arts,” which explores the intersection of critical media literacy and climate education.

Climate Change and Critical Media Literacy in a Rural High School

•Description: This academic resource details a two-week unit on climate change developed and implemented using a critical media literacy framework, offering practical insights for educators.

Lesson: Covering climate change

This lesson plan is designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to report accurately and ethically on climate change, crucial for combating climate misinformation.

Empowering Youth to Confront the Climate Crisis in English Language Arts

This segment explores the intersection of critical media literacy and environmental justice/climate education, highlighting why climate change is not just a scientific issue but also a matter of media literacy.

The Global Critical Media Literacy Project

This project provides resources for fostering critical media literacy globally, including analysis of misinformation and strategies for becoming a reliable source of information.

Now you know…

  • How to critically assess climate-related information for credibility and bias.
  • Why strong media literacy is essential in combating misinformation.
  • How to use reliable sources to support environmental communication efforts.

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🌡️ Section 2: Climate Change – Causes, Impacts, and Future Paths

Welcome to the Climate Change Expert Section!
Here, you’ll explore deeper scientific reports, infographics, and case studies explaining how climate change evolves — and how humanity can respond.
Expand your understanding from both a global scientific view and a national/local perspective.

🌡 Climate Change – Causes, Impacts, and Future Paths

What Is Climate Change? | CFR Education
Need a clear explanation of climate change? Start here to understand the science, the risks, and the solutions — all in one concise, student-friendly video.

Climate Change Explained – TED-Ed
This TED-Ed animation breaks down the science behind climate change in a clear and engaging way. A great refresher or starting point to understand how greenhouse gases drive global warming — and what that means for our planet.

How Climate Change Affects Every Living Thing – World Economic Forum
Discover the widespread impacts of climate change — from rising sea levels to shifting species migration. This short video explains the interconnected effects across ecosystems, health, and human livelihoods.

Climate Change – Averting Catastrophe | DW Documentary
Curious about the big picture? This documentary takes you through the causes, effects, and possible solutions to climate change. Watch and reflect on how urgent action can still change the path we’re on.

Education and Climate Change: Learning to Act for People and Planet
This video shows how learning is a powerful tool for climate action. Discover how students and teachers around the world are already making a difference — and how you can too.

🖼️ Infographics on Climate Change

Canva: Create Your Own Climate Infographic
Want to present your ideas visually? Use Canva’s free templates to design your own climate change infographic — perfect for assignments, projects, or sharing your message online.

Slidenest: Climate Change Effects Infographics
These ready-made visuals help explain how climate change impacts our planet. Use them to support your presentations or explore how the crisis affects everything from food to weather.

Climate Change Infographic Collection – CCR
Explore a wide range of infographics on emissions, energy, and climate impacts. These resources are great for diving deeper into the facts — and sharing what you learn with others.

Infographic: Climate Change Education Around the World
Ever wondered how climate is taught in other countries? This infographic gives you a global view on climate education — and why it matters for your future.

🌍 Youth Voices Making a Difference

Young Climate Activists Demand Action and Inspire Hope – UNICEF
Meet young activists like Russell from Dominica, who turned personal experiences with climate disasters into powerful advocacy for environmental change. Their stories highlight the resilience and determination of youth leading the charge against climate change.

Stories from Activists on the Front Line of Climate Change – ClientEarth
Discover firsthand accounts from young climate activists across the globe, including Elhadj Abdoul Diallo from Guinea and Shanth Kumar from India. These narratives shed light on the challenges faced and the courage displayed in the fight for a sustainable future.

I Lost My Home to Climate Change. I’m Fighting So Others Won’t – TIME
Read the poignant story of a Ugandan youth who, after losing their home to climate-induced flooding, co-founded Earth Volunteers. Their organization has planted thousands of trees and educated communities about climate resilience.

Youth Activists Win ‘Unprecedented’ Climate Settlement in Hawaii – The Guardian
Learn about the landmark legal victory achieved by young activists in Hawaii, compelling the state to transition to a zero-emission transportation system by 2045. This case exemplifies the impact of youth-led legal action in driving environmental policy.

Tribal Artistes Take to Canvas to Depict Climate & Gender – Times of India
Explore how 19 tribal women in Jharkhand, India, use art to express the intersection of climate change and gender, highlighting the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities.

The Solutions Are Already Here – Project Drawdown
Hope meets action in this uplifting presentation from Project Drawdown. Learn about existing, science-backed solutions that can dramatically reduce emissions and pave the way to a more sustainable future.

Now you know…

  • The major drivers and consequences of climate change from a scientific perspective.
  • How mitigation and adaptation strategies are being developed globally and locally.
  • How your actions and advocacy can influence future climate solutions.

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🧠 Section 3: Climate Denialism – Understanding and Countering It

Welcome to the Climate Denialism Expert Section!
In this section, you’ll dive into the psychology of denialism and effective strategies to counter misinformation.
Learn from expert communicators and scientific studies how to stand up for truth in the climate debate.

1. Climate Denialism

Climate skeptic or climate denier? It’s not that simple and here’s why (The Conversation)
Dive into the nuances between scepticism and denialism, and explore the different manifestations of scepticism, denialism, and mis- and disinformation.

The four types of climate denier, and why you should ignore them all (The Guardian)
This opinion piece explores different shapes climate denialism can take.

Deconstructing Climate Science Denial (Edward Elgar Research Handbook in Communicating Climate Change)
Explore the negative impacts of climate misinformation, and denialist strategies.

Climate disinformation (European Commission)
Explore the consequences of climate change disinformation, find advice on how to recognise disinformation, and access tools to help you counteract the spread of disinformation on climate change.

How to Spot – and Help Stop – Climate Misinformation (NRDC)
Practical advice on how to spot misinformation on climate change and how to help stop it being spread online.

6 Claims Made by Climate Change Skeptics – And How to Respond (Rainforest Alliance)
Explore typical claims made by people who are doubtful of the existence or consequences of climate change, and how you can debunk these misconceptions.

How to fight climate change misinformation (Environmental Defense Fund)
Here you find five practical strategies that you can use to counteract climate change misinformation.

Climate change: How to talk to a denier (BBC)
Being able to tell climate fact from false information is an important step towards countering climate denialism, but it might only get you so far in conversations with someone who is misinformed. Here you will find practical tools and communication strategies for conversations about climate change.


2. The impact of social media on attitudes towards climate change

How AI and social media can influence how we feel about climate change (Beijer Institute)
Gain an overview of how social media and AI can impact our emotions towards, perceptions of and actions in response to climate change.

Social media in climate change communication: State of the field, new developments and the emergence of generative AI (SAGE Journals)
This academic article dives into the role of social media and generative AI in climate change communication exploring both the potential for strengthening climate activism and the dangers of the spreading of mis- and disinformation.

Netiquette: Rules & Guidelines (Avast)
A brief introduction to netiquette and how to follow it.


3. Build your knowledge on climate change and climate action to counter climate mis-/disinformation
Climate Change Throughout History (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Dig into climate change from a historical perspective and learn about the difference between natural and human-made climate change.

All of Earth’s Climate Changes Since the Beginning (SciShow)
Explore the natural climate changes that our planet has experienced throughout its existence as well as the difference between them and the current human-made climate change.

Emissions by Sector (Our World in Data)
Are you curious about the role of emissions in climate change? Find out here which industrial sectors have the greatest impact on the planet and its climate.

Tipping Elements (PIK)
Find out more about tipping points: What are they? Under which conditions will we reach them? What happens then?

The Tipping Points of Climate Change – and Where We Stand (TED)
In this video, scientist Johan Rockström explains tipping points and how close we are to reaching them.

Scientists deliver ‘final warning’ on climate crisis: act now or it’s too late (The Guardian)
Read about the urgency of the climate crisis and the 2023 IPCC report.

The Role of Individual Responsibility in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability (Columbia Climate School)
Insights into individuals’ responsibility for climate change and sustainable change, and perspectives on circular economy.

The most effective individual steps to tackle climate change aren’t being discussed (phys.org)
This article summarises a study by Kimberly Nicholas and Seth Wynes on personal sustainability-related choices and to what extent they determine individuals’ impact on the planet.

The climate mitigation gap: education and government recommendations miss the most effective individual actions (Environmental Research Letters)
Explore the most effective ways in which individuals can reduce their impact on the planet in Seth Wynes and Kimberly Nicholas’s study.

What YOU can do about climate change (Our Changing Climate)
Explore steps that you can take as an individual to contribute to climate action in this video.

Now you know…

  • The key reasons why climate denialism persists and spreads.
  • Effective ways to counter denialism with empathy, evidence, and communication skills.
  • How to advocate for scientific consensus in conversations and public spaces.

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♻️ Section 4: Waste Management and Recycling

Welcome to the Waste and Recycling Expert Section!
Here, you’ll go beyond basic recycling: explore circular economy strategies, innovations in waste management, and inspiring case studies.
Get insights that will help you rethink resource use and sustainability practices both globally and locally.

1. Waste management and recycling process

  • Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 (UN Environment Programme)
    Jointly published with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the report provides an update on global waste generation and the cost of waste and its management since 2018.
  • Key Charts on Waste Management (Our World in Data)
    On this page, you find our data and visualizations on global waste management.
  • How Are Over 130 Million Tons of Glass Recycled? (Factory Secrets: How It’s Made)
    Ever wondered what happens to the glass bottles you throw away? Each year, more than 130 million tons of glass are recycled globally, turning waste into valuable new products. Discover one of the largest recycling factories to uncover the fascinating process of how ordinary glass goes through an incredible transformation, from trash to new opportunities.
  • What Happens to Your Recycling After It’s Collected? (NowThis)
    In this video, you can follow the recycling process from the bins to the plant to understand where our recycling actually goes.

2. Circular economy

  • The Circular Economy in Cities and Regions of the European Union (OECD)
    This report provides a comprehensive analysis of circular economy practices, challenges, and opportunities in cities and regions, building on a survey of 64 cities and regions of the EU, lessons learned from 10 place-based policy dialogues in specific cities and regions, and desk research. 
  • How the EU wants to achieve a circular economy by 2050 (European Parliament)
    Find out about the EU’s circular economy action plan and what additional measures MEPs want to reduce waste and make products more sustainable.
  • The Circular Economy: A Simple Explanation | Cillian Lohan (TEDxYouth@EEB3)
    In this talk, Cillian Lohan, CEO of an Irish NGO, the Green Economy Foundation, will explain the basic principles behind the economic concept of a circular economy and how it can really change the world for the better.
  • Rethinking The World’s Waste: Circular Economy | Ep. 1/2 (CNA Insider)
    In this documentary, we meet the people trying to divert food from landfills in New Zealand and Singapore by repurposing it for human consumption, animal feed and now even biofuel. We also meet entrepreneurs in the USA and Europe going a step further to avoid producing food from animals completely.
  • A World Without Waste: Circular Economy | Ep 2/2 (CNA Insider)
    In part 2 of this documentary series: a century-old tradition of clothes recycling in Italy; a hospital ward in Taipei built from recycled trash; precious materials for high-value manufacturing harvested from Black Soldier flies that feed on food waste; batteries recycled with the aid of discarded orange peel; energy-neutral buildings and circular industrial estates designed to reduce waste and maximise the efficiency of cities.

3. Food waste

  • “Zero Waste, More Taste!” Cookbook (European Commission)
    On this page you will find an exciting collection of 27 recipes with tips for reducing food waste, crafted by top European chefs who are passionate about preventing waste in the kitchen.
  • EU Food Loss and Waste Prevention Hub (European Commission)
    The EU Food Loss and Waste Prevention Hub is a “one-stop-shop” for stakeholders active in the area of food loss and waste prevention and reduction.
  • How to Turn the Tables on Food Waste | Dana Gunders (TED)
    In this video, food waste expert Dana Gunders shares innovative solutions to reduce waste and shares tips on how you can keep good food from going to the trash.
  • Why we need to think beyond reducing food waste | Jessica Li (TEDxOsloMet)
    Food-tech entrepreneur Jessica Li explores how we can reduce food waste in a way that’s better for the environment, better for the economy, and better for society.
  • “Reduce Food Waste” Podcast (Carbon Copy)
    In this podcast you can hear from four different guests, each with a different perspective on how to prevent good food ending up in the bin.
  • Food, Not Waste – A Documentary on Food Waste (Project Food Sustainability)
    In this documentary, we aim to further educate our community and raise awareness on the issue of food waste, and to reduce the amount of food waste accumulated by our schools, businesses, and homes.

4. Fashion waste

  • Fashion Waste Factsand Statistics (Business Waste)
    To put things in perspective and emphasise the need to reduce, reuse and recycle textiles and clothes, this article contains some key data and statistics on fashion waste.
  • Luxury, Not Landfill – the Waste-Free Future of Fashion | Joon Silverstein (TED
    Coachtopia founder Joon Silverstein shows how her company creates new designs from the waste products of another, a circular process that cuts the need for new raw materials and rethinks what qualifies as “luxury.”
  • The Simple Solution to Fast Fashion | Josephine Philips (TED)
    In this podcast, fashion entrepreneur Josephine Pilips focuses on the impact of what we wear and the incredible power of repairing our clothes.
  • Textile Mountain – The hidden burden of our fashion waste (European Environmental Bureau)
    Shot in Kenya, Ireland and Belgium, this 20 minute documentary calls on us to re-imagine the way the way we design, wear and reuse our clothes – so that our fashion waste no longer becomes another country’s burden.

Now you know…

  • How advanced waste management and recycling systems contribute to sustainability.
  • The principles of the circular economy and zero-waste strategies.
  • How to promote better waste practices in your community or workplace.

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🛒 Section 5: Mitigation, Consumption, and Sustainable Consumer Behaviour

Welcome to the Mitigation and Consumption Expert Section!
This part focuses on advanced strategies for reducing carbon footprints and promoting responsible consumer habits.
Discover how individuals and businesses alike can shift markets toward a greener future.

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction

2. Sustainable Fashion

  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Fashion
    Learn how fashion can be regenerative, restorative, and waste-free—rooted in circular design.
  • Fashion Revolution
    Join a movement pushing for ethics and transparency. Access toolkits and reports on sustainable materials and fair labor.
  • Sustainable Apparel Coalition
    Discover the Higg Index and other powerful tools to assess and improve sustainability across the fashion supply chain.
  • Common Objective
    A curated platform that connects you with actionable solutions and smart strategies to build a better fashion business.
  • Fashion for Good Be inspired by global innovators revolutionizing the fashion industry—from eco-friendly dyes to circular business models.

3. Food waste reduction

4. Plastic Pollution Reduction

Now you know…

  • How consumer choices directly impact carbon emissions and environmental health.
  • Practical ways to reduce your personal and community carbon footprint.
  • How to recognize and challenge greenwashing in marketing.

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✊ Section 6: Climate Behaviour and Activism

Welcome to the Climate Behaviour and Activism Expert Section!
Here, you’ll find resources on grassroots movements, climate leadership, and powerful examples of activism.
Learn how individuals and communities have successfully advocated for environmental change — and how you can too.

🌿 Youth Advocacy and Activism

Role of Youth in Climate Action Advocacy – CANEECCA
Discover how young voices are driving climate advocacy across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This article highlights youth-led solutions, challenges, and opportunities for broader engagement in policy and activism.

Community and Youth-Led Action – UNICEF
Explore inspiring stories of young people taking conservation and climate change into their own hands. This UNICEF article showcases grassroots initiatives led by youth in South Asia.

5 Youth Environmental Activists to Inspire Your Child – Green Kid Crafts
Meet five young change-makers who are leading the way in eco-activism. These stories are perfect for sparking interest and showing how age is no barrier to making an impact.

Five Youth Climate Activists You Should Know – Giving Compass
This roundup introduces five influential youth activists who are challenging the status quo. Learn how they’re influencing global climate conversations through bold actions and campaigns.

Catalysts of Change – Global Fund for Children
Youth activism is thriving globally. This article explores how young leaders are catalyzing change through creative action, advocacy, and resilience in the face of adversity.

🎥 Video Resources on Youth Action

Want to be a youth activist? CBC Kids News
A motivating, accessible guide for young people ready to start their activism journey. Hear advice straight from youth activists on how to find your voice and take action.

Who is Greta Thunberg? BBC Newsround
This short explainer introduces Greta Thunberg and her rise to global influence. Perfect for understanding how one young voice sparked an international movement.

Meet Autumn Peltier, Water Activist – CBC Kids News
Autumn Peltier, an Indigenous youth activist, fights for clean water rights in Canada. Her story highlights the link between environmental justice and Indigenous rights.

🧨 Controversial & Radical Activism

Soup on Van Gogh – The Guardian
Dive into the controversy: What happens when activists choose shocking methods to draw attention to climate crises? This article invites reflection on the ethics and effectiveness of radical protest.

Just Stop Oil – Official Website
Get insight from within the movement. Just Stop Oil explains their direct action approach to halting fossil fuel projects — explore their reasoning and campaigns.

Big Green Radicals – External Critique
This site presents a critical view of mainstream environmental groups. Explore how environmental movements are framed by their opponents — and what that means for public discourse.

DW Planet A: Youth Climate Activism Video
This video showcases the passion and tactics of today’s youth climate activists. See how they mobilize for change — and why their message is so powerful.

🧪 Greenwashing Awareness

Greenwashing Explained – BBC Newsround
Learn how to spot misleading eco-claims in advertising. This video explains how companies sometimes appear “greener” than they really are — and why media literacy matters.

Now you know…

  • The different forms activism can take, from grassroots actions to policy advocacy.
  • How individuals and communities have created real environmental change.
  • How you can take inspiration and apply activism strategies in your own life.

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🌟 Conclusions

Congratulations on completing the EcoLitAct Expert Path! 🎉

Throughout this course, you have:

  • Deepened your understanding of critical environmental topics.
  • Explored real-world examples of climate solutions, activism, and innovation.
  • Strengthened your ability to access and evaluate resources in both global and local contexts.
  • Reflected on your role as an informed advocate for environmental change.

Learning doesn’t end here — it’s a continuous journey.
Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep inspiring others with the knowledge and passion you carry forward.

Thank you for being part of the EcoLitAct movement — together, we are building a more sustainable, informed, and empowered world. 🌍

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