Climate change education arrives in British schools

UK – Starting in September 2025, British students will be able to study climate change in schools thanks to a new natural history class. The qualification, which will be rolled out across the country, advances the government’s plans to become a world leader in sustainability solutions by 2030.

The class will give students a better understanding of the planet by investigating organisms, habitats, biodiversity and environmental and sustainability issues. As part of the government's efforts to strengthen its resilience against extreme weather events, the programme seeks to equip young people with the skills needed to pursue a professional path in climate crisis mitigation.

In addition to the new class, education secretary Nadhim Zahawi has also announced plans to accelerate carbon literacy programmes for teaching staff and roll out ultra-low carbon education buildings. ‘We are delivering a better, safer, greener world for future generations and education is one of our key weapons in the fight against climate change,’ explains Zahawi.

By elevating education in the Anthropocene era, the UK is addressing the issues that threaten the prospects of its youngest demographic, inspiring a Zalpha Reckoning on the topic of climate crisis.