Gamifying climate education to expand activism in Argentina Impact Makers: Clara Molteni

NAME

Clara Molteni

TITLE

Director and Board Member, Eco House Global

LOCATION

Buenos Aires, Argentina

ABOUT

Clara Molteni is a Director and Board Member of Eco House Global, a non-profit organisation focused on promoting environmental education and climate action. Recognising the gaps in Argentina’s education system, which lacks effective implementation of climate change laws and education, Clara and her team launched the National Climate Change Olympiads. The initiative empowers youth across the country with the knowledge and tools needed to confront climate challenges and engage in policy discussions at national and international levels.

The Olympiads introduced project-based learning, gamified education, and collaborative activities via an online platform, engaging students and teachers from 17 provinces.

MOTIVATIONS

“Raised in a small Argentinian village, I grew up with a deep connection to nature. Our local river, once a vibrant hub for community activities like swimming and fishing, gradually became polluted. As the river deteriorated, so did our community's engagement with the environment. This profound personal experience was compounded by the lack of environmental education in my school, despite existing laws advocating for such curriculum. 

Driven by these experiences, I was motivated to bridge this educational gap and empower the next generation. I wanted to ensure that no other community would have to watch their natural havens degrade without the knowledge or means to intervene. This led me to initiate the National Climate Change Olympiads using football—a passion shared by many young Argentinians—to educate and empower youth.”

IMPACT

• Engaged over 1,700 students and 600 teachers nationwide.

• Reached participants across 17 provinces in Argentina.

• Hosted workshops attended by more than 350 individuals.

• Culminated in three finalist teams, with the winning team earning an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 2024 Local Climate Youth Conference (LCOY).

• Inspired projects such as sustainable urban mobility solutions in La Pampa province, reducing CO2 emissions and optimizing transportation routes.

CHALLENGES

• Limited initial awareness and participation in climate education efforts.

• A rigid and outdated education system that required innovative approaches to engage students and teachers.

• Ensuring equitable representation, particularly by promoting gender equity in team composition.

GOALS 

• Expand the National Climate Change Olympiads to other Latin American countries.

• Develop additional resources and partnerships to support climate education on a larger scale.

• Strengthen the role of youth in climate policy by creating more opportunities for their active participation in decision-making processes.

• Continue advocating for gender equity in climate education and action.

ADVICE 

“I have consistently sought out challenging roles that pushed me to grow, laying the foundation for my understanding of effective leadership: merging personal passion with the power to inspire action. By integrating football, a sport deeply embedded in Argentinian culture, into our climate education framework, we tapped into existing passions, making the learning process both enjoyable and impactful. This approach has proven essential in breaking down barriers to environmental engagement among youth.

For those working to advance climate education and empower youth, my advice is to seek out and leverage cultural touchstones that resonate with your audience. Whether it’s sports, arts, or local traditions, using these elements can significantly enhance the receptiveness and enthusiasm of young people. Additionally, it's crucial to provide youth with platforms for their voices to be heard. Empower them not just as participants, but as creators of change. Foster their leadership skills and provide them with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.”

HOW TO SUPPORT

You can support Eco House Global’s mission by:

• Partnering with us to expand the Olympiads to new regions and schools.

• Donating resources to support workshops, prizes, and educational materials.

• Providing guidance on establishing an online platform for educational resources.

• Sharing the initiative’s success story to inspire similar projects worldwide.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Instagram: @eco.house