The urgency of taking climate change action cannot be overstated. In their recent report the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2023) has warned that human induced climate change has caused a significant and irreversible impact on the Earth – with substantial and irreparable loss to biodiversity globally. In parallel, we are witnessing unprecedented levels of eco-anxiety and dissatisfaction amongst children and young people (Hickman et al., 2021).
In a recent survey of 2,000 children the environment was the societal issue that children felt most worried about (The Children’s Society, 2022) and are the group most likely to be vulnerable to eco-anxiety (Wu et al., 2020, Coffey et al., 2021, Hickman et al., 2021). To complicate matters further, research indicates that 75% of teachers have not received sufficient professional development regarding climate change (Oxfam and UKSCN, 2019).
Despite this overwhelming landscape, taking action and being hopeful is critical. We believe that environmentally sustainable practices are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for all organisations. To bridge the gap between knowledge and action, it is crucial for all leaders to commit to high-quality, evidence-informed, and strategic environmental interventions that will create a better world for future generations.
