Delivering Integrated Climate Education Consultation

In February 2024, Dr Lee Graves of Liverpool John Moores University attended a St George’s House Consultation on climate education at Windsor Castle, hosted by Baroness Martha Lane Fox. Lee attended on behalf of BASES through his role on the Climate Action and Sustainability Advisory Group.

The consultation brought together leaders from Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs), and education, employer, and youth groups to discuss and debate how to integrate climate education and enable an urgent and just transition to a sustainable economy. Of importance was discussion on the influence PSRBs have over curriculum content, and their ability to shape what is taught in subjects studied by those who go on to become decision-makers. After the meeting, attendees provided edits on a draft consultation report, which is now published on the St George’s House website with a linked news story on the SOS-UK website.

The report includes key recommendations and calls to action. These fall into three broad action areas: (i) internal organisational change within PSRBs, including using the review cycle of benchmark standards as a critical opportunity to embed sustainability; (ii) enabling student leadership and prioritising the voices of young people within PSRBs; and (iii) advocating for big system change. These will guide and support the education sector to contribute to the delivery of our national and international climate and nature goals, by preparing students for their future careers, and developing the skills needed by employers in a rapidly changing world.

Aligned to these recommendations, BASES Chair Professor Zoe Knowles FBASES explains how the work of the CASAG is shaping the Association’s accreditation frameworks: ‘’BASES is committed to climate and sustainability education. We’ve created and supported an Advisory Group who are working with the Higher Education Endorsement Scheme Advisory Group to embed climate and sustainability criteria within the BASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme. We have plans to extend climate and sustainability integration to our other accreditation frameworks, including the BASES Laboratory Accreditation. As we embark on the writing of our new Strategy for 2025 onwards, these agendas will be embedded and will guide our day-to-day business as well as ambitions as an association’’