Spain Introduces Disaster Preparedness Lessons for Children

In a bold move to strengthen climate resilience, Spain has announced compulsory disaster preparedness lessons for schoolchildren across the country.

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday by the Spanish government, is designed to equip children with knowledge and survival skills in the face of floods, wildfires, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which experts say are becoming more frequent due to the worsening climate emergency.

The development comes after a summer of devastating forest fires claimed four lives, and less than a year after catastrophic floods left more than 220 people dead in eastern Spain.

According to the Ministry of Education, the new programme will cover not only natural disasters but also industrial, nuclear and chemical accidents, as well as emergencies involving the transportation of hazardous materials.

Over 8 million pupils in 25,000 schools will benefit from the compulsory training, which will begin this academic year.

Lessons will be delivered through videos, infographics and other teaching tools, with children in infant and primary schools receiving a minimum of two hours, while older students will undergo at least four hours.

“Infant school children aged three, four and five will learn to recognise alarms and spot early signs of danger, as well as basic safety principles,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Older children will be taught how to seek higher ground during floods and to take cover under desks during earthquakes.”

The ministry added that students would also be educated on identifying disinformation during emergencies, a growing concern in the digital age.

Speaking at the launch in Cuenca, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stressed the importance of preparing young people to face disasters worsened by climate change.

“If we don’t want to bequeath our children a Spain that’s grey from fire and flames, or a Spain that’s brown from floods, then we need a Spain that’s greener,” Sánchez declared on September 1, calling for a “great state pact” to tackle the climate crisis.

The lessons form part of a 10-point government plan to safeguard Spain, which experts say lies on the frontline of Europe’s climate challenges.

Despite contributing a mere 0.03% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) are setting a powerful example in climate leadership.

A new report by the UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific reveals that these nations are making significant strides in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The 14 PSIDS have demonstrated their commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development.

All 14 countries submitted their first round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by the end of 2015, with 11 submitting updated or enhanced versions since then.

These NDCs outline ambitious targets in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and nature-based solutions.

Six PSIDS aim for 100% renewable energy, showcasing a commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Countries are also exploring eco-friendly transportation options to minimize emissions and initiatives focus on preserving and restoring natural ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Pacific Island nations are reframing climate ambition as a regional issue, intersecting with identity, sovereignty, and development.

The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent highlights the importance of ocean-based solutions and regional collaboration.

Several countries in the region are taking bold steps to address climate change.

Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement and preside over a UN Climate Conference (COP 23).

The Marshall Islands was an early submitter of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) and has integrated youth participation and Indigenous knowledge into its national climate agenda.

Papua New Guinea was the first to formally submit an NDC, with a target of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Vanuatu is committed to rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to a circular economy, with NDC targets conditional on scaled-up international support.

As the global community prepares for the third round of NDCs, the Pacific Island nations offer a clear message: the next generation of NDCs must aim higher and go further, turning ambition into action and action into survival.

With climate change posing existential threats to these nations, their commitment to limiting warming to 1.5°C is not just about reducing emissions – it’s a matter of survival.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards mitigating the impact of flood disasters with the adoption of the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP).

Announced on June 26, 2025, in Abuja, the policy aims to provide a financial safety net for individuals, businesses, and communities affected by flood-related disasters.

The NFIP will provide financial protection to individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling swift recovery from flood-induced losses and ensuring long-term resilience.

This proactive approach to flood risk management emphasizes preparedness and mitigation over reactive responses.

The policy advocates for standalone flood insurance policies, which offer clearer and more comprehensive protection, promote better risk management, and support disaster recovery efforts.

The national framework will guide the implementation of a robust and inclusive flood insurance system, protecting vulnerable populations, supporting rapid post-flood recovery, and enhancing national resilience.

A technical committee has been tasked with developing the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework, defining clear timelines, assigning responsibilities, and developing monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.

However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of inter-agency coordination, and cultural barriers may hinder the policy’s success.

The adoption of the National Flood Insurance Policy is a significant step towards building resilience in Nigeria.

By providing a financial safety net and promoting proactive flood risk management, the policy has the potential to reduce the economic and human toll of recurring floods.

As Nigeria embarks on this journey, it is essential to address the challenges and ensure effective implementation to secure a more resilient future for its citizens.

The policy will be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and leading underwriters.

The NFIP will offer structured coverage for residential properties, commercial enterprises, agricultural investments, and public infrastructure, with subsidized premiums to make it affordable for low-income households and vulnerable small businesses.