Welcome to April!
As we transition from our focus on equity and access, we are turning our attention toward a theme that calls for our collective imagination: Creativity & Sustainability. With the global updates shared at BETT 2026, we’ve seen how digital tools are evolving from simple consumption devices into powerful "innovation engines" that allow students to design a greener, more sustainable future.
Because of this, we’ve chosen to dedicate this month to exploring the intersection of environmental stewardship and creative problem-solving. This isn't just about "going green" in the classroom; it’s about the heart of our work—how we empower our learners to use their creative voices to protect our planet and redesign the systems that sustain us all.
A Global Moment of Connection
Our April content for the Global GEG will be in support and recognition of Earth Day (April 22) and its vital role in mobilizing the world for environmental protection.
Here is more context about this movement:
"The first Earth Day in 1970 mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Today, Earth Day is recognized as the planet’s largest civic event, with more than a billion people in 192 countries now taking part in what is the largest shared focus on our common home."
— EarthDay.org, "The History of Earth Day"
Google is proud to support this global vision by creating technology that helps us understand and protect our world. This connects deeply with the work of UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership. This global initiative is built on four pillars: greening schools, every curriculum, teacher training, and entire communities. By "greening every curriculum," we ensure that every learner is equipped with the creative skills and values required to become climate-ready.
How Might We Support Our Learners This Year?
In light of the 2025/2026 Google updates, we’ve been reflecting on a few ways we can make sustainability discovery more creative:
- Data-Driven Storytelling: How might we use Google Earth’s Voyager Stories to help students find creative ways to visualize and present the story of our changing ecosystems?
- Brainstorming for the Planet: In what ways can we use Gemini to help students ideate 50 small, creative ways their local community can reduce its carbon footprint?
- The Sustainable Canvas: What would it look like to use Google Drawings or Chrome Canvas to have students design "Future Cities" that prioritize biodiversity and renewable energy?
- Visualizing Impact: How can we use the Google Arts & Culture "Plastic Air" collection to help students use art and data to understand the invisible challenges our environment faces?
Your Turn to Lead the Conversation: Sustainability and creativity look different in every corner of the world. What are you most excited to explore with your students this month as we bridge the gap between "being green" and "being creative"? In the comments below, share your thoughts, questions, and the "green wins" you’ve discovered!
