[ad_1]
Only four in ten parents (44%) of 16-18 year old’s believe the UK is teaching students about the climate crisis, according to research from organisation Universities UK.
The study found that nearly every UK university has sustainability strategies published. However, less than half (49%) of parents recognize universities as being involved in climate research.
Only 25% (24%) of those surveyed believed they communicated with the public about what they did.
However, parents were also found to see universities as crucial to delivering the Department for Education’s sustainability strategy which was announced last week.
64% believe that a university experience can give their child the skills and information to improve the world. 70% believe that a university diploma is essential for a career as a sustainability professional.
37% of respondents said they would be open to higher education to learn more and get a job in combating climate change.
Universities across the country are now launching a new campaign to renew their commitment to the climate emergency.
Universities have teamed up to spread awareness about climate action and research by collaborating with celebrities like Lily Cole and other organisations through the MadeAtUni campaign.
President of Universities UK, Professor Steve West, said: ‘We need urgent and ambitious climate solutions and must ensure future generations are given the chance to build the careers they need to tackle this emergency head on. Universities are essential for this. A university education can make all the difference in equipping students with the knowledge and skills to help them to make a positive impact on the planet, whatever path they choose.’
The campaign has highlighted a number of projects undertaken by UK universities, such as the University of Brighton’s low energy building made from waste and the University of St Andrew’s project to convert old trains to run on hydrogen power.
Lily Cole, actress, model, and environmentalist said: ‘I’m proud to support this campaign and by association the ground-breaking work being delivered by our universities. They give me hope that together we can make the changes necessary to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.’
Photo by Dom Fou
