Written by Jo Harris, Education Manager
Why do children need to learn about the climate crisis?

Last November the World Meteorological Organisation published data stating that 2024 was on track to be the warmest year on record, and the first year above 1.5°C — the critical threshold that will help prevent the worst impacts of climate change. This record was confirmed in early 2025. The following month the Department of Education published the Climate Literacy amongst school leavers report which finds that “School leavers have “very poor” understanding of key climate change concepts” and “very poor” awareness of the impacts climate change are likely to have on the UK”. This worrying disconnect between the very real implications of a climate crisis and the lack of knowledgeable, informed and most of all prepared young people must be addressed and addressed soon. Field Studies Council has long been an educational charity with a mission to increase environmental understanding and to create learners who are curious and passionate about the environment and the natural world.
We recently submitted our Curriculum Review response which highlights the need for climate literacy, outdoor learning experiences and fieldwork to be inherent in all young people’s education. As an environmental education charity, we are committed to increasing climate awareness but also to empower children and young people to be ambassadors for action to mitigate climate change.
How can we encourage climate literacy?
In order to create the future scientists and green skills needed to address the issues and impacts of the climate crisis, Field Studies Council believe every child should have opportunities to develop their climate literacy. One of the ways in which we aim to achieve this is our brand new KS2 climate ambassadors module that our primary groups can choose at centres alongside other cross curricular subjects and adventure activities.

What the Climate Ambasador module includes
This session will heighten your pupil’s awareness of climate change and stimulate their passion for driving positive, sustainable change. Through a series of hands on, interactive games and activities, culminating in the creation of a climate pledge, learners will leave feeling inspired and empowered to spread the message on climate change and sustainability.
The session involves interpreting data and graphs, making local and global links, making sustainable choices and actions for the environment. Links to the national curriculum in science, geography, PSHE as well as numeracy and literacy skills are clear in the learning, but delivered through active, practical activities.
In all our residential courses we spend time in the outdoors, immersed in the natural world and encourage learners to develop understanding and care for their world. We aim to inspire learners to understand they are part of nature not apart from it, and that they can make small scale changes and encourage change within their family, school and community that will make a difference.
For more information visit:
https://www.field-studies-council.org/primary-residential-activities/