Many thanks to those who contacted me about climate change education.
Climate change is an important part of the national curriculum, with the foundation concepts relating to climate and environment taught at primary school before progressing to the causes and consequences at secondary school. For instance, in primary school science, pupils are taught to observe changes across the seasons, including the weather, and they look at how environments can change, including as a result of human activities. In secondary school science, pupils are taught about biodiversity, ecosystems, the atmosphere and the carbon cycle, as well as about the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the effect this has on the climate.
I was pleased that the manifesto I stood on pledged further action on climate change, including through the £640 million Nature for Climate fund. As we work towards net zero, I am proud that the UK has set in law the world’s most ambitious climate change target, cutting emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
I am delighted that to mark the COP26 climate conference, schools across the UK have been encouraged to start a conversation with their students through the Together for Our Planet Schools Pack that was launched in June. The pack was sent to all schools and is designed to engage students on climate change, encourage conversations about climate change and help young people learn more about the COP26 summit in Glasgow.
I am aware that as part of the pack, there is content included on identifying the UK's future student climate leaders as the Government firmly believes the actions school pupils are taking across the country will help inspire others to follow their lead.
Unfortunately, I could not attend the Westminster Hall debate about climate education in schools on the 27th October, but I can assure you that I take climate change extremely seriously, as I know my colleagues across Government do.
I will continue to monitor this issue. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
