The Climate Friendly Schools scheme was created to facilitate climate change education and action, in response to growing concerns about young people’s eco-anxiety.

In working towards Climate Friendly School status teachers, pupils and the whole school community can help drive change for climate action, reduce emissions and increase biodiversity across the whole school and help their school work towards decarbonizing towards the 2030 zero carbon target.  

Schools can apply for Climate Friendly school Status, by sending evidence of 10 annual climate friendly actions. This status requires staff input, which will come from DECSY as climate friendly approved trainers. The delivery of this will include in depth assemblies outlining what the aim of climate friendly schools is and how the school will achieve such status. alongside this, action plans will be created ensuring the aims can be reasonably met. An example of how schools can help the future of the environment is through growing their own food. Farming releases huge amounts of methane and nitrous oxide, therefore, schools dedicating some of their land to growing their own fruit and vegetables, will actively teach children to partake in sustainable growing on site and potentially at home.

DECSY’s experienced team of highly-qualified global educators has a track record of effective work in climate education as well as other curriculum and whole-school policy areas. The DECSY offer would include training sessions, attendance at meetings, provision of appropriate resources and advice and guidance (including signposting to local climate networks), and trouble-shooting if the school experiences difficulties along the way.

Not only do these understandings on environmental issues benefit the teachers and pupils, but such learning disperses to family members and others in their life, encouraging everyone to be more mindful, and to partake in environmentally friendly behaviours.