Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

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Ahead of our Taking Action Together Education Assembly, we caught up with YEM Schools Coordinator Clifford Harris to find out more about the Government's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. In the UK there are 16 million children, young people and adults in education and by providing them with the right tools, the strategy aims to inspire the whole society to work together at the start of this crucial decade for the planet.      

What are the main aims of the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy?

The strategy is multi-dimensional. It aims to establish an informed perspective in every educational setting on the environmental aspects of sustainability and a knowledge-rich understanding of the effects of climate change. Learners need to know the truth about climate change and be prepared to thrive in the green economy, pursuing greener career pathways. Together through their learned and lived experiences, throughout their educational journey, learners must understand  the importance of nature, sustainability and the causes and impact of climate change and to be able to translate this knowledge into positive action and solutions. 

When do the changes need to happen by?

The strategy is a cross-government 25-year environmental plan, but the anticipation is that some targets will begin to be realised by 2030.     

Who will be impacted by this strategy?

All educational settings and learners within them and the way settings are operated and regulated, as well as the wider societies' aspiration to meet the Net Zero target by 2050.            

How can people get involved and help their local communities to achieve it?

Although the Strategy distinctly focuses on the DfE and Educational settings, every dimension of it spills into social and economic aspects. There is a massive deficit around teacher training and CPD, and according to Alison Anderson

 (Professor in Sociology at Plymouth University and Keynote Speaker at the Assembly) and that of ULC there is a lack of knowledge and skills. I think the strategy will not work without a buy-in from local communities, organisations, charities, agencies and local government. The educational settings will be looking beyond to identify those who can help. This is an "all-hands-to-the-pump moment", we all have to undo the done!

To find out more about ways that you can help implement these changes in your local community, join us for the Taking Action Together Education Assembly on 20th April at Kingsbridge Community College.

The Assembly is inspiring climate and nature collaboration for our children's futures.

We are joined on the day by an incredible array of researchers, community groups, environmental educators, exemplar projects and organisations who are bridging the gap between schools and community action in their work.

Booking is essential!

To secure your spot and find out more information about the event, click here.