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.
In April 2022, the DfE began implementing its Climate Change Strategy, which can be accessed here.
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.
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 has major construction and education unions making sure the UK’s school buildings are fit for the future and energy efficient.
COP28
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we are facing, its impact is felt globally and in the UK where flooding and extreme temperature have now become a frequent occurrence. This is impacting our lives as well as the education of our children.
This year, the global United Nations Climate Summit, known as COP 28, will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UEA) from 30 November to 12 December 2023. This is an opportunity for global leaders, policy makers and the civil society to get together to address this pressing issue and agree actions to be taken to deliver on keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
As part of the International TUC delegation to encourage the UK and other governments to sign up to a Just Transition, the NEU will be represented by NEU Executive member Jenny Cooper. Jenny is also representing Education International (EI) the Global Union Federation that represents 32.5 million trade union members in 384 organisations in 178 countries and territories.
Please note the following resources by Education International that will empower our members to take action:
- Call on your education and environment ministers to endorse this Declaration on Education and Climate Change at COP 28. Adopting the declaration shows governments’ commitment to build climate-smart education systems by taking targeted actions to adapt, mitigate and invest.
- Urge your government to enact the policy roadmap outlined in the EI Manifesto on Quality Climate Change Education for All. Demand that adequate funding is allocated to ensure successful implementation.
- Share the intersectoral Trade Union Demands for COP 28 with your government. Insist your government backs the development of a just transition work programme centred around labour rights and social dialogue.
Dates for your diary
8 December 2023 - Day on Youth, Children, Education and Skills. Multiple hybrid education events taking place at COP 28 online. Please check Education International website and social media accounts for further information.
9 December 2023 – Global Day of Action for climate justice - please click here for details and how to participate.
Get involved
The NEU Climate Network organises members keen on developing and implementing union policy and action to resist climate breakdown. It meets once every half term and has regular mailings.
