Ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26, South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, took part in UK Parliament’s first-ever debate on climate education.

The Westminster Hall Debate, tabled by Nadia Whittome MP, a member of the Environmental Audit Committee, examined sustainability and climate education in the UK curriculum.

Mr Dunne pointed to recommendations in the Green Jobs report, published this week by the Environmental Audit Committee, which called for inclusion of climate change in the national curriculum, to help boost skills in the green economy.

Mr Dunne, who chairs the Committee, said:

“I was pleased to attend this timely debate, since it enabled me to endorse our recommendations - to include sustainability and climate change in the school curriculum - as our report into Green Jobs which came out on Monday called for.

“Raising awareness and interest in climate change impact and adaptation is critical to help develop the skills we need for the green economy. By encouraging pupils to develop their interest and understanding of environmental issues at school, we can not only give greater employment opportunities in all regions of the UK, but also help ensure that we are working towards meeting net zero by 2050.”

Teach the Future, a youth-led campaign by students from all four UK nations, has been leading a UK-wide petition asking the government to implement climate education across the curriculum. More than 25,000 people have signed the petition and other key figures have supported the call.