Climate proposals welcome but more ambition needed

Speaking to the announcement by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi on tacking climate change in the education sector, NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:

“The Education sector has a vital role to play in tackling the climate crisis facing our planet and there is very good work being done both in the classroom and by schools in the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact.

“Teachers and school leaders already do a great deal to educate children and young people about how they as individuals and as part the school community can take practical steps to tackle climate change.

“The measures announced today are welcome but Government must go further and be even more ambitious in strategies for ensuring schools meet the challenge of climate education.

“Schools need greater support and resources from Government to de-carbonise and ensure they can be sustainable. There needs to be an ambitious agenda for climate education, and school estate improvement, backed by resources to support the climate change commitments.

“One issue identified at COP26 is the need for more dialogue with the profession and education unions moving forward. The NASUWT welcomes the opportunity to engage fully in progressing the climate change agenda.

“Young people are passionate about climate change and the environmental issues affecting our planet and they want to see much more progress from policymakers and elected politicians coming from the vital opportunity afforded by COP26.”