On 9th August the IPCC released their 6th report on climate change which states even more conclusively than before that human activity is changing the climate in unprecedented and sometimes irreversible ways. In response, the UN has declared a ‘code red for humanity.’ You will probably have seen the news stories of increasing floods, wildfires, and other climate disasters around the world. You might also have witnessed how climate anxiety is affecting our children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
This November, the United Nations will come together at the 26th Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, where there will be massive pressure for greater climate ambition – not just from governments, but from individuals and institutions, including schools.
This is key because:
● Young people rely on schools as trusted sources of information on climate change, and crucially, to provide role models through individual teachers and school leaders.
● Schools as institutions will be under increasing pressure to mitigate emissions, starting with the Streamline Energy and Carbon Reporting now being required of Academy Trusts.
But we know it’s not easy. Schools are under huge pressure, especially after the huge disruptions of COVID-19, and many educators feel overwhelmed, unsure about where to begin, and dubious that their actions will even make a difference.
CODEC latest Newsletter provides details of resources and training opportunities to support Teachers.