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CHILDREN SCORE HIGH ON NATURE EDUCATION AGENDA

In the same week that UK Government announced they were finally moving forward plans for a much awaited 'Natural History' GCSE, the Churches Commitment to Children division of the World Council of Churches (WCC) launched a new climate justice handbook, setting out practical ways faith organisations can help protect young people and future generations from the climate crisis.

For over a decade, environmentalist Mary Colwell has been spearheading the drive for an exciting new GCSE on the UK school curriculum, to allow students to explore ecosystems, environmental and climate issues and reconnect young people with the natural world around them. Whilst the course was confirmed in parliament last week (21st March), by Education Minister Catherine McKinnell, the governmental review group is expected to publish a report on the proposed subject content in the autumn.

'Hope for Children Through Climate Justice: Legal Tools to Hold Financiers Accountable' launched (on 24th March) by the WCC says it is "a call to answer the pleas of the scientific community and young people to tackle the root causes of harm to creation and protect future generation's right to life". The book, with illustrations from Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Joel Pett, provides churches and communities with essential legal knowledge and tools designed to hold those accountable for their role in perpetuating the climate crisis, whilst at the same time protecting the rights of young people and future generations.

In a foreword, Vanessa Nakate, the Christian Ugandan climate justice activist, known originally for being the first in her country to organize a school strike calling for action on the climate crisis, said the publication was "A call for the church to rise against injustices."

The WCC, which represents a wide range of denominations around the world said , " ... our faith calls us to speak truth to power and to seize every available legal measure to protect our planet and its inhabitants." In the coming months the WCC will also be providing accompanying on-line training. For more information click HERE.

It's hoped that both of the above initiatives will not only engage and educate but also inspire the next generation of conservationists and nature leaders.

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NB: The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN) is searching for the next generation of young innovators leading the way in nature conservation and sustainability. If selected, these changemakers will be given sponsored delegate access to the IUCN Word Conservation Congress taking place 9th-15th October 2025 in Abu Dhabi and a opportunity to pitch their environmental action projects to global leaders. For more information click and to apply, before 27th April 2025, click HERE