Climate and sustainability education are soon to become part of the school curriculum. However, both young people and teachers are feeling ill-equipped and powerless to play their part in the vital action needed to tackle the climate emergency. In response to this, education charity 1851 Trust has declared its ambition to help 1 million young people take action to protect nature, people and the planet through its new Protect Our Future platform.

The announcement comes as new research amongst 11–16-year-olds commissioned by 1851 Trust and environmental charity Hubbub reveals more than half of children (51%) are worried about what the planet will be like in the future. The research also shows almost a third (31%) of 11–16-year-olds say they are unclear on what measures they can take to be more environmentally friendly, which is acting as a barrier to them taking action. Only a quarter feel climate change is something they can fix, while 14% said they don’t feel like their actions will make a difference.

70% of teachers say they do not feel equipped to teach about climate change effectively.

The Protect Our Future platform aims to inspire and help young people to understand their role in tackling climate change; empowering them to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. The resources for young people and teachers will be free to use, rigorously researched, and packed full of science-based knowledge, inspiration and practical actions.

Protect Our Future is a collaboration between 1851 Trust and forward-thinking young people, schools, universities, brands and charities. It will provide a more holistic education experience, with an emphasis on out of the classroom learning. A pilot programme in Hull is bringing together 13 secondary schools in partnership with Reckitt and Hull City Council. Over the next 18 months, they will work together to help accelerate low-carbon projects to meet Hull’s net zero ambitions.

The pilot was launched on 14 March, with COP26 President Alok Sharma MP and Hannah Mills OBE − the most successful female sailor in Olympic history and 1851 Trust supporter − joining students in a packaging recycling workshop.

The charity is now calling for more partners to support the Protect Our Future programme’s expansion to other areas of the UK.

Commenting is Olympic sailor and environmental campaigner, Hannah Mills OBE. “Our planet is at a tipping point and young people are the key to protecting its future. We are not doing enough to empower young people. We need to go beyond the climate headlines and equip them with science-based knowledge and understanding.”

Four-time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Ben Ainslie, adds; “Protect Our Future responds to this need by providing young people with science-based knowledge to enable them to take the lead in climate conversation. Our goal is to use our sporting success to inspire young people to Protect Our Future and the planet.”

Ben Cartledge, CEO of 1851 Trust, concludes; “Young people are key to protecting the future of our planet, yet our research has shown they’re angry, they’re worried, and they are not clear on what action they can take that will make a difference. Protect Our Future aims to empower both young people and their teachers – giving them the knowledge, skills and voice to speak with confidence about climate change and sustainability.

“We know from our experience of developing science-based resources, which are used by over half of UK secondary schools, that young people are inspired by real people who aren’t just talking theoretically. We are applying this approach to make sure the resources for Protect Our Future inspire real action to tackle climate change. We would love to hear from potential content and funding partners to help us grow the platform and develop new events, resources and content for young people, parents and teachers.”

For further information on partnering with 1851 Trust on Protect Our Future contact lyndsey-lee.dunwoody@1851trust.org.uk. Alternatively, to visit the charity’s website, please click here.