It is a pleasure to be here today at Afyon Kocatepe University to discuss a topic that is not only central to my work but is of increasing global importance--climate education through geoparks and sustainability initiatives. My name is Arnbjörn Ólafsson, and I am the Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, an organization that specializes in immersive, hands-on learning experiences in earth sciences, STEAM education, and sustainability.

At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe that education must extend beyond the classroom. Climate change is a complex and urgent challenge, but understanding it requires more than just theoretical knowledge. To truly grasp its impact, students and educators need to see the changes happening in real time, feel the landscapes shifting beneath their feet, and experience the forces shaping our planet firsthand. Iceland, with its unique combination of volcanic activity, glacial retreat, and renewable energy innovation, provides an ideal setting for this kind of experiential learning.

Today, I will discuss how geoparks, and particularly Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, serve as living laboratories for climate education. We will explore how Iceland’s geology, climate, and energy systems can offer valuable lessons for sustainability worldwide. I will also introduce the Geoschools Project, an initiative designed to enhance climate education through field-based learning across different European geoparks. Finally, I will share insights into how we can better integrate outdoor education and international collaboration to equip future generations with the tools and knowledge to respond to climate change effectively.

The goal of this talk is not just to highlight the challenges we face, but to show how education can be a powerful driver of action. The more we connect students and professionals to the landscapes, science, and real-world examples of sustainability, the more equipped they will be to drive meaningful change.

Introduction

In a world where climate change presents one of the most significant challenges of our time, education must move beyond textbooks and classrooms. It must be immersive, hands-on, and grounded in real-world experiences. GeoCamp Iceland was founded on this very principle, welcoming students, teachers, and researchers to Iceland to engage in place-based learning focused on geology, earth sciences, renewable energy, STEM, environmental issues, and climate change.

To truly understand the complexity of our changing planet, learners need to see, feel, and experience the forces shaping it. By stepping onto a glacier, witnessing volcanic activity, or exploring geothermal landscapes, students develop a deeper and more personal connection to the processes that define our environment. At GeoCamp Iceland, the approach is centered on integrating geoscience, sustainability, and outdoor education, making climate education more engaging and effective. This philosophy aligns closely with the Geoschools Project, which highlights the essential role of geoparks in climate education and sustainability.

Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is often described as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” a name that reflects the dramatic forces constantly shaping its landscapes. It is a country where volcanic activity and glaciation coexist, creating one of the most geologically dynamic environments on Earth. This unique setting offers invaluable learning opportunities, allowing educators to demonstrate geological change in real time.

The country sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart. This geological activity, combined with Iceland’s position above a magma plume, fuels over 30 active volcanic systems, frequent earthquakes, and an abundance of geothermal energy. Some eruptions, such as the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, have had global consequences, while others, like the recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, remind us that Iceland’s landscape is in a constant state of transformation.

While volcanic activity builds new land, Iceland’s glaciers actively shape the terrain through erosion. These ice masses, covering approximately 11% of the country, are not only geological forces but also vital climate indicators. They preserve thousands of years of atmospheric data within their ice layers, providing crucial records of past climate conditions. However, the reality is stark—since the 19th century, Iceland’s glaciers have lost 16% of their volume. At the current rate, they could disappear within the next 150 years. The loss of these glaciers is not just an environmental issue; it has direct consequences for rising sea levels, shifting ecosystems, and the livelihoods of communities that rely on glacial meltwater.

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark – A Living Laboratory

GeoCamp Iceland is based in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, a region that serves as a natural laboratory where geology, sustainability, and climate resilience intersect. Geoparks are not merely sites of geological significance; they are dynamic spaces where education, conservation, and community engagement come together to deepen our understanding of the planet.

Reykjanes Geopark is of particular interest because it sits directly on the boundary between two continents, where the Earth’s crust is actively pulling apart. This makes it an ideal setting for climate and energy education, providing firsthand exposure to volcanic activity, geothermal landscapes, and the forces of plate tectonics. The region also offers a model for sustainable energy, as geothermal power is harnessed directly from the Earth, demonstrating how natural resources can be used responsibly to support a low-carbon future.

Geoparks like Reykjanes help us understand Earth’s dynamic processes, but they also reveal the accelerating impact of climate change. While volcanic activity continuously forms new land, glaciers—historical archives of climate patterns—are disappearing. This contrast highlights the dual forces shaping Iceland today: the natural geological changes that have occurred over millennia and the human-driven disruptions that are unfolding at an unprecedented rate. As glaciers melt and landscapes shift, Iceland serves both as a warning and as a model for how societies can adapt, develop sustainable energy solutions, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges.

The Climate Crisis: A Challenge for All

Climate change is no longer a distant or future problem—it is happening now. Iceland provides a stark case study of both its impact and the potential strategies for mitigation and adaptation. Glacial retreat is occurring at an accelerating pace, contributing to rising sea levels and altering ecosystems. As the weight of ice decreases, the land beneath it rises, which in turn increases seismic and volcanic activity. Climate change is also affecting weather patterns, ocean currents, and biodiversity, causing shifts that extend far beyond Iceland and into the global climate system.

Despite these challenges, Iceland demonstrates how societies can take proactive steps toward climate resilience. The country has shifted almost entirely to renewable energy, invested heavily in climate research, and integrated sustainability into its educational systems. By studying Iceland’s transition, other countries can gain insights into how to navigate the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and prepare for the changing environment.

Renewable Energy in Iceland – A Model for the Future

Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy, with nearly 100% of its electricity coming from geothermal and hydropower sources. This transition has allowed the country to drastically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Today, 90% of homes in Iceland are heated using geothermal energy, and only 14% of the nation’s total energy use comes from fossil fuels, primarily for transportation and the fishing fleet. To address this remaining dependency, Iceland is now investing in hydrogen fuel technology, electric transport systems, and sustainable aviation fuels, with the goal of becoming entirely energy self-sufficient.

While Iceland’s energy model may not be directly replicable in all regions, it serves as a powerful example of how large-scale transitions to sustainability are achievable when governments, industries, and educators work together. The success of this model demonstrates that a commitment to renewable energy and climate-conscious policies can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Geoschools: Climate Education in Action

One of the greatest barriers to tackling climate change is the gap between knowledge and action. This is where climate education plays a critical role. The Geoschools project seeks to bridge this gap by moving learning beyond the classroom and into real-world settings. Through field-based education, students gain a direct understanding of climate change by tracking glacial retreat, participating in citizen science projects, and exploring the cultural and ecological impacts of environmental change.

A powerful example of this type of education is the story of Okjökull, Iceland’s first glacier to be declared dead due to climate change. In 2019, a plaque was placed at the site, bearing a message that serves as a warning and a call to action:

“We know what is happening. We know what must be done. Only you will know if we did it.”

This poignant reminder underscores the urgency of climate education and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future.

The Path Forward – What Can We Do?

The question is no longer whether we can address climate change, but how quickly and effectively we are willing to act. Everyone has a role to play in reducing waste, using resources wisely, and promoting responsible tourism. Climate education must remain at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that young people are equipped with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in sustainability efforts.

Through initiatives like Geoschools, UNESCO Geoparks, and place-based education programs, we can empower the next generation to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action. As the saying goes, “No one can change everything, but everyone can do something.”

A Call to Action

We stand at a defining moment. Climate change is accelerating, but so is our ability to respond. The choices we make today will shape the landscapes, communities, and opportunities of tomorrow. Education must go beyond simply imparting knowledge—it must inspire, challenge, and equip people with the tools to create change.

As educators and professionals, we must ask ourselves: If education holds the key to change, how do we unlock its full potential? At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe the answer lies in how we teach, how we inspire, and how we connect knowledge to action. By using outdoor education, school initiatives, and projects like Geoschools, we can ensure that learning is not just about studying the past—it is about shaping the future.

Thank You

Arnbjörn Ólafsson, GeoCamp Iceland
Geoschools Project – Final Conference,
11th March 2025, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

Download Presentation Slides [PDF]

Staff and board members of GeoCamp Iceland took part in the final meeting of the Erasmus+ Geoschools Project in Afyon, Turkey on 11 - 13 March 2025. The meeting brought together educators and geoscientists from Iceland, Poland, Romania, and Turkey. Over the course of three days, participants reflected on the project’s impact, shared best practices, and explored how outdoor education—especially through geoparks and place-based learning—can help inspire climate action in schools.

​At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe that education should be immersive, hands-on, and deeply connected to the natural world. This philosophy was at the heart of our involvement in the Geoschools Project, where we worked alongside international partners to create new educational tools, lesson plans, and field-based learning experiences that integrate geoscience with sustainability and climate awareness.

Moving Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Geoschools Project was developed to address one of the biggest challenges in climate education—the disconnect between knowledge and action. Too often, climate change is taught in isolation, as abstract theories in a classroom. But as we see in Iceland, climate change is a real, observable phenomenon, shaping the landscapes around us. From the retreating glaciers to active volcanic eruptions, Iceland serves as a living laboratory where students can witness environmental changes firsthand.

Our work within Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark has shown that when students experience science in action, they not only understand the concepts more deeply but also feel empowered to make a difference. Through the Geoschools Project, we applied this same philosophy on a broader scale, working with partners to create field-based educational experiences that can be replicated in geoparks and natural areas across Europe.

A Collaborative Effort for Geoscience Education

The final meeting in Afyon was an opportunity to assess the project’s achievements and discuss its long-term impact. The event began with a conference on innovative teaching methods for climate change, hosted at Afyon Kocatepe University. Here, we presented our experiences from Iceland, showcasing how geoparks can serve as powerful educational environments.

Throughout the conference, the project partners shared their experiences of using geoparks, geological formations, and local landscapes as outdoor classrooms. In his keynote presentation, Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, emphasized the need for place-based learningin climate education. He highlighted how outdoor experiences—whether studying volcanic activity, analyzing rock formations, or visiting renewable energy sites—allow students to connect science with real-world challenges. Drawing on Iceland’s sustainable energy model, he demonstrated how education can help young people understand both the problems of climate change and the solutions that exist today.

Exploring Kula Geopark: A Model for Outdoor Learning

The second day of the meeting took participants to Kula Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark, a stunning natural site known for its volcanic landscapes, basaltic columns, and rich geological diversity. This excursion was a reminder of why geoparks are ideal environments for teaching Earth sciences.

During a guided walking tour, participants explored Kula’s famous Fairy Chimneys, learning how these rock formations were shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. The visit reinforced the project’s central idea, to encourage teachers to collaborate with local natural sites—whether geoparks, nature reserves, or heritage sites—to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. As seen in Turkey, these collaborations not only enrich science education but also foster a sense of environmental responsibility among students.

A Lasting Impact on Climate Education

As we wrap up the Geoschools project, there is a shared understanding that while this was the final project meeting, it was just the beginning of a much larger effort to redefine how climate education is taught in schools.

At GeoCamp Iceland, we remain committed to empowering educators with the tools they need to bring science to life. The Geoschools Project has reaffirmed what we have always believed--that the best way to teach about our planet is to experience it firsthand.

We encourage teachers everywhere to look beyond textbooks and classrooms and to embrace the power of outdoor education. Whether through geoparks, nature reserves, or even local green spaces, the opportunities for immersive, hands-on learning are endless.

By integrating geosciences with sustainability and climate action, we can inspire the next generation of environmental leaders, ensuring that students not only understand the science behind climate change but also feel equipped to take action.

As we move forward, we look forward to expanding our network of educators, scientists, and schools that share our vision for a more engaging and impactful approach to climate education.

Because education should not just inform—it should inspire.

GeoCamp Iceland participated in the third Geoschool Erasmus+ project meeting, hosted by the Târgu Jiu Primary School in Romania 11 - 15 October  2024. The meeting brought together students, teachers, and project partners from across Europe to explore innovative ways to integrate geoscience and climate education into school curricula while fostering intercultural collaboration.

The meeting commenced with a reception at the County Library “Christian Tell,” where local school and municipal authorities warmly welcomed participants. Partner schools presented their institutions, followed by team-building activities and a visit to the County Museum “Alexandru Ștefulescu,” which offered fascinating insights into paleontology and fossils. The day concluded with a visit to the iconic Endless Column Park.

Exploring Hațeg UNESCO Global Geopark and Transylvanian Heritage

On the second day, participants journeyed to Hațeg UNESCO Global Geopark in Southern Transylvania. This geopark is renowned for its fossil-rich deposits, including the discovery of more than 10 species of dwarf dinosaurs from 65 million years ago and fossilized dinosaur eggs. The group later visited Corvin’s Castle in Hunedoara, a magnificent renaissance fortress that provided a glimpse into Romania’s rich history.

Day three featured a major conference at the Constantin Brâncuși University Hall, focusing on the conservation and sustainability of geoparks. Local researchers and scientists presented key topics, and each project partner shared insights about their respective UNESCO Global Geoparks.

In the afternoon, participants toured Târgu Jiu’s old town with the mayor, who shared the story of Constantin Brâncuși’s celebrated artwork “The Table of Silence” in the Central Park. The day concluded with a workshop led by Romanian partners, during which students created posters and slogans about climate change, furthering discussions on environmental responsibility.

Nature and Action in Baia de Fier
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The fourth day took the group to Baia de Fier, where they explored the Woman’s Cave. This remarkable site houses significant findings, including the skeleton of a cave bear and a human skull, highlighting coexistence between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. In the afternoon, participants joined local students to plant approximately 100 trees in the newly established Erasmus Forest, contributing to environmental preservation and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a ceremony where participants received certificates recognizing their contributions. The week’s activities fostered stronger relationships among partner schools and enriched the Geoschool Erasmus+ project. Outcomes included the development of valuable resources like board games and lesson plans designed to enhance geoscience education across Europe.

As the Geoschool project continues to promote geoscience and climate education, the next mobility is planned for March 2025 in Turkey, further advancing its mission to connect students and educators worldwide.

From 9 - 13 September 2024, GeoCamp Iceland proudly took part in the second Geoschool Erasmus+ project meeting, hosted by Szkoła Podstawowa in Barciany, Poland. The meeting brought together students, teachers, and project partners from across Europe to explore how geosciences and climate education can be integrated into school curriculums, while fostering intercultural collaboration.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from Mr. Vitek, headmaster of Szkoła Podstawowa, followed by a tour of the school’s facilities. The day’s activities included team-building exercises and insightful presentations about geoparks and local environmental issues, such as the impact of climate change on the Kraina Tysiąca Jezior (Land of a Thousand Lakes). The day concluded with a visit to Wolf’s Lair, offering a blend of history and nature.

On the second day, participants embarked on an exploration of the Masurian Lake District, one of Poland’s most significant natural reserves. Discussions during the day centered around the ecological value of lakes, the impact of glaciation, and current environmental challenges. Students from different countries shared insights on how natural resources are managed in their regions, providing a rich exchange of knowledge and practices.

Workshops and Collaborative Projects

Workshops led by the Romanian and Turkish partners introduced new educational tools, such as a board game from Hațeg Country Dinosaurs Geopark, designed to educate students about fossils and paleoclimate. Discussions continued around how climate change affects geoparks and how innovative education can inspire action. GeoCamp Iceland contributed valuable ideas on integrating climate and geodiversity lessons into school programs.

Students from each participating country worked collaboratively to design and test prototypes for educational board games that explore geodiversity and climate change. GeoCamp Iceland’s team provided insightful feedback and suggested further improvements, such as the inclusion of interactive challenges and level-based questions to engage students of all abilities.

Meeting Conclusions

The meeting concluded with a closing ceremony, during which all participants received certificates of recognition for their contributions to the project. The week’s activities fostered stronger relationships between partner schools and provided meaningful contributions to the ongoing development of resources like board games and lesson plans that will benefit schools across Europe.

The Geoschool project continues to make strides in promoting geoscience and climate education, with the next mobility set to take place in Romania in November 2024.