University to pilot new government initiatives to help young people improve their local environment
Manchester Metropolitan University will act as a ‘Champion’ for two new schemes launched as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, by sharing the University’s facilities and expertise with local schools and colleges.
The DfE announced the launch of two new schemes aiming to give young people a greater understanding of nature and biodiversity – equipping them to help shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
The National Education Nature Park and the Climate Leaders Award initiatives were announced yesterday as part of DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for education and children’s services – which has been developed as a commitment to climate action.
The strategy outlines how education will play a role in helping to tackle the climate crisis by providing current and future generations with the skills and knowledge to create more sustainable environments.
Professor Liz Price, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at Manchester Met, said: “At Manchester Met, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to develop an understanding of the importance of nature, sustainability and the causes and impacts of climate change and, crucially, to translate this knowledge into positive action and solutions.
“We are delighted to be piloting this initiative to deliver a better environment for future generations.”
The National Education Nature Park will see the grounds of nurseries, schools, colleges and universities utilised to improve biodiversity – helping the UK achieve its climate goals and create more climate resilient local communities.
As the most sustainable university in the UK, Manchester Metropolitan hopes to create opportunities for young people and children to connect with and protect nature by teaching biodiversity mapping, data collection and analysis skills through the schemes.
Students and pupils will also be encouraged to learn about sustainabilty through in-school challenges like cutting food waste, saving energy and using less plastic – which in turn will earn them credits towards the new Climate Leaders Award.
Planning is currently underway for the new initiatives, which will officially launch in September 2022.
