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Copyright Create The Future 2021
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The Future of Education

Postcards for progress / Education systems

Understanding climate change and its far-reaching effects is vital for fostering sustainable practices and building resilient communities. Education on climate change provides the knowledge and tools necessary for individuals to comprehend the science behind it, recognise its impacts, and take informed action. By emphasising the importance of education, we can cultivate a better-equipped society to address the challenges of climate change and work towards a sustainable future.

Take a moment to imagine an ideal future for your local area. What if…

  • Education systems incorporated climate literacy, equipping everyone with the knowledge and skills to make informed, sustainable choices?
  • Schools emphasised hands-on learning experiences, such as community gardening, renewable energy projects, and environmental stewardship activities?
  • Climate change education included training in green technologies and sustainable practices, preparing a workforce skilled in developing and implementing solutions to environmental challenges?
  • Everyone knew who to write to in order to advocate for a better future?

Did you know?

  • Climate disasters are occurring almost five times as frequently as 40 years ago, disrupting the education of nearly 40 million children annually! By improving climate literacy we could create a global culture that values and prioritises environmental education, fostering innovation and collaboration to combat climate change.
  • According to UNESCO, 126 countries have committed to addressing climate change through education!
  • While climate change education is not currently a core element of the curriculum in England, there are new requirements for further education teachers to incorporate sustainability into their teaching (for children aged around 12 to 13).

Who to write to:

To advocate for better-supported education systems and climate topics on the curriculum, you could write a postcard to…

  • Your local Councillor. If you live in an area with both a County Council and a District Council, you should write to the County Council, who are involved in planning and promoting education.
  • The UK Secretary of State for Education. The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. You could write to the SoS for Education about the importance of climate education at schools.
  • Your MP. Why not ask your MP if they could support campaigns to get climate education on the curriculum?

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

Nelson Mandela Speech at Madison Park High School, Boston, 23 June 1990

Next steps

  1. Download the postcard template (or create your own!)
  2. Imagine the future of climate education, then think about how we could act today to make it happen.
  3. Draw or doodle something that represents your ideal, sustainable future on one side. (Have fun with this – you don’t have to be an artist! Or feel free to write a few key words.)
  4. Write a short postcard letter to your chosen changemaker on the other side. Try to include a ‘call to action’ to help make your better future a reality.
  5. Take a photo and submit it to our postcard gallery.
  6. Send the postcard to your chosen changemaker!