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Empowering students to take action

(15/05/25)

Posted by : Dr Rachel Manning

The climate and nature crisis is one of the greatest challenges young people face today, yet too often, climate education remains confined to geography and science lessons, treated as an isolated topic rather than an urgent, cross-cutting issue. While knowledge about climate change is essential, understanding the science alone is not enough. Education should focus on empowering students to critically engage with environmental and social issues, take action in their communities, and feel a sense of agency over their future.

With the current curriculum in England under review, we have a critical opportunity to rethink education’s role in the context of the climate and nature crisis. At Global Action Plan, we see how students flourish when given opportunities to lead environmental and social initiatives, campaign for change, and take part in projects that connect their learning to real-world challenges. These experiences not only enhance their understanding of environmental and social issues, but build leadership skills, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

I would like to do things like this more as it makes me happy, and it helps the environment. It also builds and strengthens friendships and gives us power. I hope things like this carry on in our school and more people get to feel like I do. – Young Change Maker in Kent

Many young people care deeply about the planet and other people but often believe their peers don’t feel the same. This values perception gap can lead to disengagement or feelings of isolation. However, when students take collective action, whether restoring local green spaces, campaigning for sustainable school policies, or influencing decision-makers, they realise they are not alone. This fosters hope, motivation, and a shared sense of responsibility.

Young people are already leading the way when it comes to environmental and social action. Through Transform Our World, we have seen students across Kent and Essex addressing ocean plastics, tackling inequality, and organising community clean-up initiatives. Young people are showing that when given the opportunity, they can lead movements that make a difference. Schools that encourage and support this type of learning create a culture of action, where young people think critically, engage with their communities, and contribute towards a more sustainable future.

Three students holding up a poster they have made which raises awareness about discrimination on issues they care about.

Students helping to fight discrimination

A Call to Action

If we want education to be truly transformative for people and planet, we need to move beyond passive learning and create opportunities for young people to take the lead on issues they care about.

At Global Action Plan, we are working to make this vision a reality by developing and delivering programmes and resources to embed student-led action into teaching and by amplifying the voices of schools, educators and young people who are making a difference.

But this work cannot be limited to a handful of schools, it needs to become the norm.

You can be part of this movement by:

Subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest news, resources, and opportunities for action/share the newsletter with someone
Participating in our teacher training to gain the skills and tools needed to support students in taking meaningful environmental and social action. Get in touch to learn more.
Using our Youth Social Action handbook to support your students to become young changemakers.

Stay up to date with our work by following our Linked In updates at Global Action Plan Education.

Global Action Plan Education - linkedin