Today the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) is focussing on empowering children and young people to protect our planet. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi gave a speech at the event outlining his vision for all children to learn about climate change and securing a greener future.

Alongside this, the Department for Education launched a series of initiatives to encourage children and young people in England to learn about protecting the environment, including:

• A draft Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy that puts awareness of climate change at the heart of the education system,
• A virtual National Education Nature Park, to encourage children to learn about and  improve the biodiversity around their own education setting,
• A Duke of Edinburgh-style Climate Award to recognise children’s effort to protect the environment,
• Early plans to test innovative new Energy Pods that can replace gas and coal boilers to supply heating and hot water needs, without any carbon emissions (this is being tested in schools first, before potentially being expanded to other types of public sector buildings). 

We know that many of our PACEY members in early years and childcare settings are leading the way by implementing initiatives and activities to teach children from their earliest years about climate change & environmental awareness. You can get involved in the conversation by sharing your thoughts and ideas over on our Facebook page.