If you click here you will find Motion 8 which was passed at the National Education Union [NEU] conference the other day. Actually, you will find the motion and lots of amendments and so it's not clear just what was agreed in the end.
The thrust, however, is to support the student days of action AND to call for curriculum innovation, although only, I note, in a "fully-funded and staffed education system". This is obviously coded language which means that it's not going to be happening any time soon. So, curriculum change – but not yet. This is a weasel policy when we're faced with climate change What will they say to the striking students who want a changed curriculum now?
However, it's good to see a teacher union calling for environmental education – even if the phrase wasn't used – and even if the motions proposing it are blind to the progress that the UK has been making in both policy and practice. I'm not aware of a country doing better than we are – are you? For example, since 1990, the UK has reduced in GH gas emissions by over 40% while GDP has increased by 75%. Who knew that was possible? Further, we have through the Climate Change Act (2008) a statutory target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 through 5-year carbon budgets. I understand this is a widely respected model of policy. This is not to be complacent – and I am not an optimist – just to add a bit of information to the mix.
Responses
Are we striking on Sept 20th to support the students. ?