18 Apr 2024
Almost all (93%) Cambridge International students who responded to a survey on social media are 'concerned about climate change', with over 75% voting for more climate change education as a way of helping them make better informed choices on travel, food and energy. In free-text answers, students stressed the importance of integrating such education across the school curricula because learning about climate change from a young age is essential for preparing future generations to tackle environmental challenges. Eighty per cent voted for more opportunities to learn about climate change at school or college.
The two-week survey, which ran across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X at the start of April, gathered responses from 303 students aged 14 to 18. It was part of a broader survey by Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) to gauge views on climate change education not only from international students but from the public too. View press release. The findings follow the hottest year and the warmest March on record.
In addition to informing decisions on travel, food, and energy, Cambridge international students voted that climate change education could help them to:
- make more informed choices about their health (61%)
- decide what to study next (53% )
- prepare for jobs of the future (51%)
- all the above (49%).
'Given our world’s current situation, it has become essential for all of us starting from a young age to learn how to tackle something so severe as climate change,” wrote one student in the anonymous, free-text section of the survey. 'I believe more climate change education opportunities will not only help make [young people] conscious of the impact their actions have on the world but will also serve as a spark to ignite those ready to change the world.' Read students comments.
Students expressed a sense of urgency in their written responses, calling for action and practical solutions to address climate change, showing concern about the consequences of inaction. Answers from students also highlighted the importance they place on raising awareness of sustainability and environmental protection more broadly beyond the school curriculum.
At the start of the year, working with Cambridge Zero to combine expertise from across the University of Cambridge, we launched an introduction paper on climate change education in schools. We have also invited educators, policymakers and thought leaders to join a climate change community focused on ensuring that we incorporate climate change education where required. Listen to Christine Özden, Global Director for Climate Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment in conversation about the aims of this initiative.