[Column written by Traci Burgess]
When you live on an island, the ocean isn’t just scenery—it’s life.
The ocean shapes Bermudian culture, supports biodiversity, drives our economy and connects us to the world. However, the ocean around Bermuda is changing rapidly and our ability to respond effectively must start with education.
Bermuda needs consistent, affordable and accessible programmes that promote ocean literacy, environmental education and climate action.
From primary school to adult programmes, BUEI provides opportunities for everyone to connect with the ocean, learn from it and act to protect it.
The ocean regulates Earth’s climate, accounts for 97% of the planet’s water supply, produces 70% of our oxygen, supports 350 million jobs and provides natural compounds for medicine.
Humans are severely damaging the ocean and accelerating climate change. It is urgent that everyone understands what is happening to our ocean, why it matters and what we can do about it.
UNESCO reports the ocean has absorbed more than 90% of excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation. This heat absorption is driving sea level rise, fuelling extreme weather events like stronger hurricanes and bleaching coral reefs, which are vital for marine life to survive.
Small island nations like Bermuda are feeling this impact firsthand and vulnerable coastal communities are hit the hardest. Climate change threatens all forms of life, compromises coastlines and puts economic livelihoods at risk. Yet, the science behind climate change is often taught too late—or not at all.
BUEI’s year-round educational programmes offer proactive approaches that connect learning with doing whilst promoting our vision where the ocean around Bermuda is widely understood, appreciated and protected.
In 2024, BUEI delivered over 24,000 hours of educational programming through 5,750 encounters with public and private school students ages 5 to 22. Students engage in classes, labs, workshops, and camps tailored to Bermuda’s public school curricula, which is adaptable for private schools.
These aren’t just academic lessons—they are experiences that develop real-world projects bringing ocean literacy, environmental education and science to life, all tied to climate.
BUEI’s Youth Climate Summit [YCS] launched in 2021 and focuses on climate justice, sustainability and conservation. It connects students ages 13 to 22 with local and international climate experts, global youth activists, corporate partners, and NGOs. YCS provides a platform for Bermuda’s youth to find their voice and it to advocate for a better future.
BUEI is honoured to serve as the National Operator for two UN-affiliated environmental education programmes, Eco-Schools International and Young Reporters for the Environment [YRE]. Eco-Schools equips students with tools to take action in their schools and communities and the results are significant: 81% of the 22 Eco-School Clubs across Bermuda met their sustainability goals last year, including energy conservation, waste management, greening school grounds and more.
Bermuda students have been shortlisted and placed in the global YRE competition for three years running. YRE is an international platform for youth to investigate and share solutions to environmental issues. BUEI’s YRE camps and workshops are supported by media professionals that help participants develop a greater appreciation for the ocean, build new skills and advocate for solutions to combat climate change and other environmental issues.
Learning is a lifelong journey and BUEI’s adult education blends Bermuda’s culture with science and interactive discussions about the ocean, environment and climate. BUEI Films, BUEI Talks and community events foster these conversations and the Ocean Discovery Centre offers immersive exhibits and activities for all ages.
Education focused on the ocean, environment, and climate builds strong community connections and shared responsibilities. When we understand science and its impact on our lives, we are more likely to become part of the solution.
Imagine a future where every child in Bermuda can explain why coral reefs matter; every family understands the environmental impact of their lifestyle choices; and every resident feels empowered to support climate priorities because they understand the stakes.
That future starts now.
Climate education is essential – not optional. The ocean has always been our greatest teacher. It’s time to connect with it, learn from it and take greater action to protect it. Individually, we can make a difference. Together, we can change the future. Please visit BUEI.bm/education and YCSBDA.com for more information.
– Traci Burgess, CEO and Summer Wood, Head of Education, The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI]
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Category: All, Environment
