The study also found insufficient commitment in English schools to climate-focused courses.
Girls are more likely than boys to respond to lessons about climate changebut they are also more likely to worryaccording to a new study. The report, led by a team from University College London (UCL), investigated the experiences of English school students and their perception of climate change.
The survey, carried out on 2,429 young people between 11 and 14 years old, revealed that the 36% of the students stated worrying “a lot” or “all the time” about what the world will be like in the future. Half said they were “a little concerned” and, when asked if they thought adults were doing enough to care for the environment, 53% said this worried them.
Las girls they manifested significantly higher levels of worry (44%) than children (27%). Children from lower socioeconomic groups were also less likely to value or enjoy learning about climate change than their more advantaged peers.
“Professor Nicola Walshe, executive director of the UCL Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, says: “There are very little deep knowledge about the perspectives and aspirations of students in relation to climate change and sustainability. “These results constitute a incredibly important evidence base that we can use to better support schools and teachers.
Can schools address students’ climate anxiety?
One of the ways researchers believe anxiety about climate education can be addressed is by teaching the topic more broadly. Almost three quarters of the students expressed their desire to learn more about climate change and sustainability at school, especially if it meant more time outside the classroom in nature.
However, there were more differences between boys and girls on the topics they wanted to learn more about. “Three quarters of the girls surveyed They wanted to know how climate change affects human health and well-beingcompared to 60% of boys,” explains teacher Nicola Walshe.
“We know that the weather anxiety es highest among girls“So more holistic climate change education that addresses a broader range of areas, including health and wellbeing, could help alleviate young people’s concerns.”
The report also identifies a lack of commitment to careers focused onclimate in the english schools. Only the 31% of students I thought that learning about climate change and sustainability could translate into Job opportunities in the future.
Only the 17% expressed his desire to pursue a career related to sustainability. Only the 14% of the least advantaged students They saw themselves undertaking a ecological career.
How can climate education be improved?
The researchers also examined the education for sustainability inside and outside the school curriculum. They have formulated five key recommendations for policy makers, schools and teachers.
They demand the development of ecological careersfurther opportunities for commitment and action of students within schools and expanding opportunities for outdoor learning in all study plans.
The study authors also recommend that the Education about climate change and sustainability is integrated into all school subjects and that students’ anxiety, hopelessness, and anger about this topic are explicitly addressed.
The results of this survey will also constitute a valuable database to which educators and policy makers can draw. UCL’s Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Education is using it to develop its own professional development program for teachers.
