In her work, Lira examined how climate change and health are addressed across different levels of education in Kosovo. Drawing on a scoping review, an analysis of pre-university curricula and textbooks, and a survey and focus groups with pre-service teachers (PSTs), she combined global evidence with an in-depth examination of the Kosovar context.

A central contribution of the dissertation is the systematic application of an existing Climate and Health Literacy (CHL) framework to assess how climate change and health are represented in Kosovo’s pre-university curricula. As the first study to specifically focus on climate change and health education in Kosovo, the research provides an important baseline for identifying areas of alignment as well as critical gaps. Complementing this analysis, the exploration of PSTs’ perspectives identified their willingness to engage with climate change and health, their perceived training needs, and opportunities and gaps within teacher education programmes.

The findings reveal both global and local gaps in climate change and health education. Kosovo’s pre-university curricula do not adequately align with the CHL framework, while findings from PSTs point to training needs that are not sufficiently addressed within current teacher education. At the same time, Kosovo’s evolving policy context provides a timely opportunity for curriculum revision and for strengthening climate change and health education across educational levels.

Overall, the dissertation highlights the importance of recognising PSTs as key partners in shaping climate change and health education. Strengthening teacher education alongside the integration of climate and health literacy into pre-university curricula could help equip future educators and generations with the knowledge and skills needed to promote health, adopt pro-environmental behaviours, and respond effectively to climate change.

Congratulations, Dr. Ramadani!