National survey of young people shows schools provide critical pathway to climate action

Almost 10,000 British schoolchildren participated in one of the largest ever surveys of its kind, which revealed the critical importance of schools in their understanding of climate change

Released in the wake of the Great Big Green Week, the surprising outcome was the emphasis students in many different settings placed on their schools in shaping their understanding of climate change. School is where respondents heard climate change talked about the most (67%) compared to other information sources such as TV (52%), social media (50%) and family (25%). School was their most trusted information source, as well as the top source of inspiration to get involved in individual and community action.

The nationwide survey of almost 10,000 respondents aged 11 to 18, conducted between April 2022 to January 2023, set out to understand the views and motivations of young people towards climate change and local and national climate action.

The findings of the report are summarised in the Youth Climate Action Research Report 2022-23:

My school has made efforts to teach us and show us the effects of climate change. I can say that they’ve opened my eyes to what’s happening and inspired me to think about my actions.

Survey respondent

Key findings

How the data was collected

Our approaches are rooted in empowerment and student agency. Eco-groups or other lead students roll out the online survey across their school or college. We analyse the data and provide a bespoke report for each school, carefully designed to inform a way for lead students to inspire and enable peers to undertake climate action.

Thank you so much for the brilliant work that you do. The survey results were shared during an INSET with all staff and there were gasps!

TEACHER

With thanks to

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