Climate awards scheme for pupils a welcome step to engage young people with the green transition

Leading think tank responds to the government’s announcement of a new Duke of Edinburgh-style award scheme for climate (@IPPR)

Earlier this year, an IPPR convened climate jury of Tees Valley and County Durham residents proposed a similar scheme called the ‘Attenborough Award’.

 Becca Massey-Chase, Deputy head of the IPPR Environmental Justice Commission, said:

“A new climate award scheme to recognise pupils for their efforts to protect the environment is a welcome announcement. Everyone, and especially young people, should have the chance to be better informed and engaged in tackling the climate and nature crises. Many pupils already care so much about this issue. Raising awareness and aspiration further through the national curriculum, scholarships and awards schemes such as this can help empower all pupils to be involved in the green transition.

“Through the work of IPPR’s Environmental Justice Commission, we heard from people across the country that education was a priority for tackling the climate crisis. Members of our Tees Valley and County Durham climate citizens jury even proposed an ‘Attenborough Award’ based on the Duke of Edinburgh Award. So we’re delighted to see this idea being taken forward today.

“The next step for the government would be to create a ‘National Nature Service’ to provide opportunities for this passion and commitment to the environment to be directed into meaningful work in low-carbon and nature-friendly jobs.”