News & Stories

Coordinated by Global Action Plan in partnership with Climate Uncensored and hosted by the University of Derby, this Education Assembly brought climate scientists, environmental educators and teacher trainees together to grapple with the climate crisis and deliberate on effective educational responses.

Held over a 24-hour period and beginning with a keynote lecture by Professor Kevin Anderson, the Assembly spotlighted the University of Derby’s trainee teachers as emergent New Voices in the English Education system.

What did the trainee teachers say?

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is an urgent crisis impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems around the world.

As we navigate this complex challenge, integrating climate change into education is essential. It empowers students to understand the science, recognise the urgency of the problem, and equip themselves with the tools to create innovative solutions. The recent conference and workshops on climate change and education highlighted these points and offered valuable insights into how the education sector is responding to the climate crisis.

One of the most significant takeaways was the growing recognition that climate change education is not just about teaching science; it is about fostering a deeper sense of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Educators, policy-makers, and climate experts emphasised the need for curricula that connect climate science with real-world applications. This includes focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the importance of biodiversity, but also on the social justice aspects of climate change, such as its disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.

The workshops also brought to light the importance of interdisciplinary learning. Climate change doesn’t belong in just one subject area—it affects every aspect of society.

From economics and public health to urban planning and human rights, the workshops highlighted how climate change education should span across disciplines. By integrating climate change into multiple subjects, schools can ensure that students grasp both the broad and specific impacts of the crisis, while also cultivating critical thinking skills necessary to address it.

Another key theme was the role of educators in driving this shift. Teachers are at the frontline of equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the climate crisis. Morgan, Rachel and Claire shared examples of innovative teaching methods and collaborative projects that inspire students to take action. From minor changes in our household and daily lives to school-wide sustainability programs, the education sector is beginning to take a proactive role in shaping climate-conscious citizens.

However, there are challenges to overcome. Not all schools have the resources to implement climate-focused curricula, and there is still a lack of training for teachers on how to effectively incorporate climate education into their lessons. The workshop by Global Action Plan highlighted the need for more investment in teacher development and infrastructure to ensure that climate change education reaches every student and beginning/ developing teacher.

The workshops were a powerful reminder of how essential it is for education to address climate change. While progress is being made, there is much work ahead. The education sector, hand in hand with the Department for Education must continue to adapt, innovate, and collaborate in order to ensure that young people are equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate. By fostering a climate-conscious generation, we are investing in a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

On behalf of the University of Derby Teacher training cohort we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Morgan, Rachel and Claire from Global Action Plan for their outstanding depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to break down complex climate issues into accessible, actionable insights making the workshop incredibly informative and engaging. Their expertise, paired with their genuine passion for creating positive change, made the workshops a truly valuable experience. We are grateful for their dedication and the invaluable support they provided throughout the day, the thought-provoking conversation, and their willingness to continue to support us, ensuring we have the guidance and resources needed to move forward with confidence.

By Olivia Bowley and Jovana Manojlovic

University of Derby Student Teachers