Across Canada, public education systems are experiencing climate crisis pressures that conflict with funding models and governance arrangements built on a previous era of stability. Ontario exemplifies how our systems are not aligned with the climate crisis, and why climate adaptation needs to be used as a driver of system change.

Education systems must embed adaptation

The climate crisis is reshaping how education systems need to operate. Adaptation must be embedded not only in physical infrastructure, but in seamless, integrated services that support students and communities. It requires governance and funding that can adjust to rapidly changing conditions and uphold equity. We need adaptive systems of public education that can withstand disruption and align with the communities they serve.

Ontario’s funding approach no longer fits today’s realities

The climate crisis shows that Ontario’s funding model is misaligned with the needs of today. Many facilities remain below a state of good repair, and current funding structures have little to no connection to climate adaptation. Public education can use this moment to upgrade facilities and implement cooperative processes for integrated services that advance equity, innovation, student‑centred learning, and local planning and action.

This is no time for austerity. It’s time to fund the realities of today and the future at hand.