Students in Spain to learn climate disaster preparedness

Photo: Alberto Saiz/AP Photos, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Spanish schools are making emergency preparedness central this year. As floods and wildfires become increasingly common, students are learning essential skills to stay safe and assist others, according to The Guardian.

This hands-on program will be introduced to students in both primary and secondary schools, extending beyond regular emergency drills. Students will learn how to handle a wide range of emergencies — from natural disasters to industrial accidents — that may affect their region. The curriculum also includes training on how to evaluate emergency updates and recognize misinformation.

Over 8 million students in Spain’s 25,000 schools will take part in the training. Younger children will spend two hours on the basics, such as understanding warning signals and safety rules. Older students will receive four hours of hands-on lessons, learning skills such as identifying safe places during floods and responding to earthquakes.

Speaking in Cuenca, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez didn’t sugarcoat the situation.

«Climate change is making these emergencies more severe and more frequent,» he explained. «We owe it to our children to prepare them for this reality while working toward a more sustainable future that isn’t marked by environmental destruction.»

This training is part of Spain’s broader climate plan, which has sparked political debate. The opposition People’s Party criticized the government’s wildfire response, citing poor management and coordination. Even basic safety measures are now politically charged during the climate crisis.