project UK children's views on climate change and their local environment
theme: perceptions and knowledge
The National Children’s Bureau in collaboration with the UK Department for Children, Schools and Families sustainable schools team sought children and young people’s views (8 – 18 years) on how increasing levels of road traffic, loss of green space and the impact of climate change affect children’s well-being, now and in the future.
Very seriously. There should be a fixed penalty for people who have a large carbon footprint.
member of UK DCSF youth board
project particulars
co-ordinator: Jo Butcher, NCB
partners: UK National Children's Bureau, UK Department for Children, Schools, and Families
duration: 2007
funders: UK Department for Children, Schools and Families
countries: UK
overview
The project consulted children and young people (8 - 18 years) through the use of a climate change detective survey to find out what more children and young people felt schools, Government and communities could be doing around road traffic, green spaces and the environment. Children and young people also gave their ideas on how they would inspire adults, schools and pupils to become better at protecting the planet.
key findings
Key comments from the DCSF Youth Board included:
Educating individuals on the dangers of climate change for children and young people is imperative. Children and young people felt information needs to be inspiring and relevant and should illustrate the consequences of climate change.
Children and young people felt strongly that education and information is the key to tackling climate change. For children and young people the Government should play a central role in three ways: leading by example, incentives and education.
80% of the children and young people surveyed believe that schools are not doing enough to tackle climate change. Many felt that active steps need to be taken by schools to educate pupils. Children and young people felt strongly that schools should be leading the way in tackling climate change by setting a good example to pupils.
When asked if children and young people think enough is being done to tackle climate change the answer was a resounding "No".
A priority for children and young people was the need to have more places to play.
Children and young people believe that Government needs to be doing more to improve public transport by making it greener, more regular and cheaper.
