A new study by University College London asked 2,429 kids aged 11-14 in England what they think about climate change. Here’s what they found:
• 36% said they worried a lot or always about what the world would be like in the future.
– Half of the children returned their questionnaires with a response that they were a little worried.
• 53% of young people responded that they are anxious because adults are not doing enough to look after the environment.
Girls Are More Worried Than Boys
- 44% of girls mentioned that they are very worried about climate change.
- Only 27% of boys said they “worry a lot”.
Kids Want to Learn More About Climate Change
- Nearly 3 out of 4 kids said they want to learn more about climate change and how to help the environment at school.
- Many children would embrace increased teaching and learning outdoors in nature.
Different Themes Interest Girls and Boys
- 75% of girls are interested in learning about the impact of climate change on human health and well-being.
- It interests only 60 percent of boys.
Few Children Consider Green Jobs
* Only 31% of children believed that their studies on climate change could be useful in their employment prospects in the future.
* Only 17% of the children responded that they would like to have a job that contributes towards the protection of the environment.
* Among children from less well-off families, only 14% showed interest in possibly having green jobs.
How Should Schools Teach Climate Change?
These researchers do have ideas on how to make climate change education better:
1. Involve children in activities on professions connected to environmental protection.
2. Engage pupils more frequently with school activities regarding climate change.
3. Conduct more lessons outdoors in nature.
4. Provide more classes on climate change in other school curricula—not only in science.
5. Help pupils cope with their anxiety and fear of climate change.
Why This Study Matters
According to Professor Nicola Walshe of UCL, this study is of really key importance. It will help schools and teachers understand children’s feelings about climate change. In turn, teaching could be made better, and worried students could be supported.
The UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education takes what it has learned to help train teachers with the hope of changing the way all students learn about climate change.
It has finally provided proof that many children, particularly girls, are concerned about climate change. In addition, it is proven that children wish to learn more and to do something to help. Therefore, schools can make huge contributions to teaching children about climate change and making them feel less worried about the future.
