An enriching, thriving education system cannot exist in a world without a stable climate. Flooding and extreme temperatures have become far more frequent throughout the world, and it is our young generation that will lose the most if it is not addressed now. As educators, it is paramount that we enable children to understand the climate crisis and equip them with the skills and knowledge to build a more sustainable future.
We are campaigning for a “just transition” to a greener economy, so changes needed to combat and mitigate against climate change are managed in a way that protects all.
A just transition would mean protections against working in extreme temperatures in heatwaves and safely removing asbestos as part of the process of retrofitting schools to make them more climate resilient and energy efficient.
This NEU framework is designed to help schools work closely with union reps, including green reps and health and safety reps, to develop policies and take the appropriate steps to move towards a greener and safer future that supports and protects staff and students.
The joint FE trade unions (UCU, Unite, GMB, NEU and Unison) and the English college employer body, the Association of Colleges (AoC), have reached a landmark agreement for a Just Transition road map for colleges.
TUC – Climate Emergency: Winning a Just Transition calls for timely, worker-friendly climate action to protect the planet and future-proof obs. Schools built for the future have major construction and education unions making sure the UK’s school buildings are fit for the future and energy efficient.
UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education International (EI) have developed Educators at the Heart of Greening Education, a climate policy toolkit that will be of interest to green reps and policymakers alike. The NEU will seek to engage with the DfE on this excellent and timely resource.
