Climate education for the next generation

View from above a shield shaped lake in a forest

Climate education

We’re empowering a generation of learners who can tackle the climate crisis.

“As the world faces a climate crisis, education must be part of the answer.” 

 

Christine Özden, Global Director for Climate Education

Climate education equips young people with the knowledge and skills to understand the complexities of climate change and encourages them to become active participants in tackling this global challenge.

Two upper school pupils looking at plants through a microscope in a UK classroom.

Equipping young people

“We have the opportunity to go further than ever in helping citizens, and especially young people, to understand climate change, play their part in tackling it, and to become equipped with the skills needed for a sustainable economy.”

Peter Phillips, Chief Executive

7 %

7 percent: the amount of global economic output spent on government subsidies for fossil fuels

4 %

4 percent of global economic output is invested in education

As part of the University of Cambridge, we are uniquely placed to connect our curriculum and assessment specialists, in topics such as geography, business and engineering, with leading climate researchers and scientists. This collaboration allows us to develop impactful climate change resources, reaching millions of learners.

Through qualifications and courses focused on understanding climate change, cutting-edge research on climate solutions, award-winning books on tackling the climate crisis, and by convening experts in education, business, and policy worldwide, we shift ideas into actionable solutions.

2023

2023 was the hottest year on record

100 m

Cambridge University Press & Assessment reaches 100 million learners worldwide

teacher and student watering plants

Climate change is a global issue with local solutions. Vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by climate change. Education equipped with knowledge of climate change empowers communities to build resilience and prepare for climate-related disasters, ultimately saving lives.

We want to go further and faster on climate education – integrating climate content into all stages of learning. This will equip young people with the skills to tackle the climate crisis and become active participants in building a more sustainable future.

Going further and faster

International programmes

Our international curriculum sets a global standard for education, with programmes that stretch, challenge and inspire our students. Nearly a million students in 10,000 schools in 160 countries prepare for the future with our qualifications.

Climate education in the curriculum

We led an extensive collaboration between experts on how we should reshape geography teaching and assessment to fully address climate and sustainability. This collaboration helped to redevelop Cambridge's IGCSE, AS and A Level, and O Level geography syllabuses and learning materials. Now, we are convening an expert group to consider the role of engineering teaching and learning in working towards a more sustainable future.

Our Natural History GCSE

Our new Natural History GCSE will provide pupils with a greater understanding of the world around them, gaining key skills and knowledge in botany, climate science and palaeontology. Our UK exam board OCR is developing the new qualification with leading environmental and sustainability organisations, such as the Natural History Museum, the Eden Project, the Royal Horticultural Society and the Wildlife Trusts.

Cambridge Climate Quest

Cambridge Climate Quest is a free programme for school leaders in India. Created in partnership with Cambridge Zero, the programme supports young learners in their journey of climate awareness, literacy, and action. It encourages action at the grassroots level, empowering young people and communities to build a sustainable future.

Climate publishing

 

Cambridge University Press is building knowledge of the climate emergency for both the scientific community and general readers, through the publication of research that inspires and supports the discovery of new solutions to tackle these challenges.