IEU calls for urgent climate action
Action on climate change is vital for safe, quality learning: two-thirds of Australian schools now face high climate risk.
IEUA Federal Secretary Brad Hayes says staff and students are already feeling the impacts: heat stress, “eco-distress,”, and in some cases, the relocation of entire schools during disasters.
He says that the UN Environment Programme is warning that global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within a decade - “a critical threshold to avoid the worst effects of climate change”.
“Australia’s first Climate Risk Assessment reinforces this urgency, confirming that extreme weather events and climate-related deaths will become far more frequent.”
The IEU is joining other Australian unions calling for stronger emissions reduction commitments. The ACTU’s climate action plan outlines a comprehensive program of regulatory reforms, including key updates to work health and safety laws.
Brad says IEU members have been at the forefront of protecting workplaces from climate risks.
“Many bargaining campaigns have secured paid natural disaster leave, helping staff manage extreme weather events. These workplace rights should be extended across all education sectors.”
Governments and employers must implement policies and programs that ensure a just transition, including:
Paid training on electrification, decarbonisation, and climate-focused curriculum development.
Increased funding for mental health support for students and young people.
Low-emission transport options for schools and students.
Expanded cycling infrastructure and education to promote active travel.
Government reviews of thermal efficiency targets and compliance for heating, cooling, lighting, and digital infrastructure in schools.
More green spaces and access to nature in schools and early childhood settings, including pilots for dedicated nature pedagogy leaders.
Updated policies and procedures for extreme weather responses.
“A successful climate transition requires collaboration between unions, governments, and employers to protect every worker, student, and community,” Brad says.
“The clock is ticking—let’s get it right.”
Alarm across the nation
It’s not just progressives sounding the alarm on climate change and schools.
Zurich‑Mandala Climate Risk Index: Zurich’s report warns that extreme heat may reduce students’ academic attainment by up to 7%, especially in Queensland and the Northern Territory, translating into major lifetime earnings losses for students.
Australian Conservation Foundation / YouGov research: Extreme heat, fuelled by the worsening climate crisis, is reshaping children’s lives in Australia, and 85% of parents worry about their children’s health during extreme heat. Many children stay inside, and heatwaves are disrupting sleep and school operations.
Parents for Climate (school closures report): Hundreds of schools and childcare centres have closed due to extreme weather. The group calls for solar-powered cooling systems and a review of school term dates.
The Guardian: This report investigated whether schools close at 40 °C. Many don’t; some students are kept in classrooms that lack air‑conditioning, risking health and learning.
Herald Sun / Eco‑friendly school case: Albert Park College, designed with passive cooling, sent students home early during a heatwave, raising questions about sustainability design vs student welfare.
Insurers, conservationists, parents and lawyers on schools and climate change:
Alex Morgan (Zurich, insurer):
“Key social infrastructure, such as Australia’s schools … have repeatedly suffered the consequences of our changing climate, resulting in reduced capacity to effectively teach and learn.”
“High classroom temperatures can slow children’s cognitive ability … under a 2°C temperature rise by 2060, our modelling … could equate to a $73,000 reduction in lifetime earnings.”
Australian Conservation Foundation
“67% … had negative feelings including feeling confined … stressed … trapped … anxious … sad … and overwhelmed.”
South-East Monash Legal Service
(in submission to Victorian government Victoria’s 2026-2030 Climate Change Strategy)
“Many public schools … are grappling with serious health and infrastructure issues … leaking and collapsing roofs, inadequate insulation … classrooms relocated to ageing, substandard portable buildings.”
