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Schools climate action guide and template

Climate education and green careers

Climate education is vital for tackling climate change. Teaching young people about the causes and effects of climate change creates motivated people who are inspired to act.

Children play a key role in helping to share knowledge and change behaviours in communities. Participation and motivation from young people can help bring about change through climate work. Helping young people improve their understanding of climate change results in adults who are engaged and take action.

Climate change is a part of the national curriculum for science and geography. However, it affects all areas of all our lives so it should not be limited to just these subjects. This is particularly important as Geography is no longer compulsory beyond Key Stage 3. Student feedback has also shown an eagerness to learn more about climate change beyond the confines of the curriculum. There are a number of ways climate can be embedded easily in other subjects.

Green careers relate to jobs and career pathways within areas tackling climate change. As we work towards our net zero goals, there are more opportunities and roles within this field. Green skills are vital, and demand for them is increasing. This is because new green technologies are being developed and more sustainable practices are being adopted throughout society. Green skills can be defined as “the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a society which reduces the impact of human activity on the environment.” Green careers and education can help young people prepare for roles in sustainability.

The transition to a carbon neutral society will see a need for more green skills in a number of sectors. Such as:

  • power generation
  • construction
  • waste and resources

To meet this demand, education and vocational pathways need to be advertised and supported. A greater understanding of the roles and opportunities is needed both amongst students and educators to help guide students.