Produced for the European Commission by the European Service Network (ESN), Education for Climate Talks continues its exploration of how sustainability competences can shape meaningful green careers across Europe. In this episode, host Petra Moreno is joined by Jelle, associate professor of science education at Utrecht University, who reflects on his journey from biology into the broader field of sustainability education.

Jelle discusses how education systems and educators play a decisive role in preparing learners for green careers, highlighting the interplay between top down curriculum design and bottom up classroom practice. He explains why action oriented learning is one of the most effective ways to build environmental and citizenship competences, enabling students to connect knowledge with real world challenges and collective action.

The conversation also touches on Jelle’s involvement in the Horizon IM>PACT project, which develops tools to assess learning outcomes in sustainability education. Through this work, he illustrates how research, policy and practice can come together to support more coherent approaches to competence development.

Blending academic insight with practical experience, this episode provides an accessible look at how education can empower the next generation to live, learn and act sustainably.