Lara Jean Salaysay (she/her)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

I use environmental education to help people connect the dots between climate, community, and careers, and then, co-create solutions rooted in their context.

My approach is grounded in appreciative inquiry and constructivist learning theory. I design experiences that build on local strengths, avoid duplication through partnerships, and empower learners to make sense of environmental issues from their lived realities. Recently, I’ve deepened my use of evidence-based programming, drawing from my master’s through rapid literature reviews and strategic desk research.

I started as a classroom teacher using project-based learning, where over 1,000 students implemented SDG-aligned projects. Later, as Climate Change Program Manager at the Department of Education, I led programs that reached over a million stakeholders and integrated theater, journalism, and community-based climate solutions. I led Climate Changemakers, the Philippines’ first recognized online training course on teaching climate change, reaching over 100,000 students with the 430 teacher completers. As the founder of Green Economy Ready, I developed a toolkit integrating green jobs in career guidance for high school students. Also, I'm developing resources for workers in soon-to-be decommissioned power plants.

I use EE not just to inform, but to inspire action and help people see themselves as contributors to a climate-resilient society.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey in environmental education started in high school, where I led a campaign encouraging students to bring reusable tumblers instead of using disposable cups. That small act of behavior change opened my eyes to how education can shift mindsets and habits.

I went on to become a high school teacher, integrating climate and sustainability topics into subjects like economics and contemporary issues. Wanting to scale my impact, I joined the Department of Education as Climate Change Program Manager, where I trained teachers, engaged students, and helped embed climate action into public education. Eventually, I transitioned into regional and global work, supporting youth-led climate projects at the Asian Development Bank and facilitating citizen science and climate resilience workshops with multicultural communities in Australia. Most recently, I co-founded Green Economy Ready, a non-government organisation helping people explore green jobs through climate-aware career guidance. Whether in formal institutions or informal community spaces, I’ve seen how environmental education can be a tool for empowerment.

What inspires me is simple: the environment has always been with us. It feeds us, shelters us, sustains us. I want to live in a world where stepping outside isn’t a threat, where extreme heat or rain doesn’t mean fear. 

How can people learn more about or support your work?

You can learn more and follow our journey by visiting our social media pages (@greeneconomyready). On Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn (@lara.on.earth), I share updates from our workshops, toolkits, and collaborative projects. We also feature stories from educators, youth leaders, and professionals working in green jobs. I also create content on sustainable living that is good for you and the planet.

People can support our work by helping us bring Green Economy Ready to more communities. We’re always looking to co-host workshops with schools, youth groups, and local organizations, especially those serving students who may not have access to green career guidance. Educators and advocates can also join our career advocates training.

We’re looking to grow our reach and impact in a way that remains community-centered. If you’re connected to funders or organizations supporting youth, education, or sustainability, we’d be grateful if you shared our work or introduced us. 

Whether you’re a teacher, student, funder, or fellow dreamer of a livable future, there’s space for you in this work. We hope to help more people find meaningful careers that contribute to a climate-responsive and resilient society. 

A Little More About Me

Where do you feel most at peace and why?
I am most at peace spending time with nature, especially when freediving. I just love hearing the tinkling sounds of fish communicating with each other.

If a genie granted you one wish, what would it be?
May all human beings be aware of our traumas and have the ability to regulate our nervous system. I think we can all make responsible and empathetic decisions that care about other people and the planet.

What’s something that can always make you laugh?
There’s this improv group in the Philippines called SPIT Manila, and I always laugh at their skits. They are geniuses! 

What’s your favorite food to celebrate with?
Cosmic Fried Chick’un! No animals were harmed in the process. Hehe.