Challenges of refugee education with a focus on climate refugees : Creative tension-holding

We are currently living in an era of rapid climate change, which is triggering a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Among these, the deepening climate crisis has given rise to a new category of displaced populations—commonly referred to as climate refugees, environmental migrants, or environmental refugees—whose numbers now surpass those displaced by war. In response to this pressing issue, this study explores the educational challenges related to climate refugees from both theoretical and practical perspectives. On the theoretical level, this research proposes integrating educational theory with ecological economics, which, unlike conventional economics assuming infinite growth, argues that economic activity must remain within the Earth's ecological limits. Emphasizing the link between ecological and social justice, it highlights the essential role of education in the climate crisis. From a practical standpoint, the study introduces educational activities on the rebound effect that prompt learners to critically reflect on daily life. Designed for collective rather than individual engagement, these activities stress the value of community-based learning. Furthermore, to foster coexistence with climate refugees, the study underscores the importance of securing diversity—a fundamental survival strategy across life forms. It proposes creating opportunities for direct encounters with refugees in educational spaces, enabling students and teachers to experience the value of diversity within a learning community. These experiences can help generate new narratives and communities essential for collective coexistence in the climate crisis era.