ETA

The environmental education ‘eco-schools’ programme run by the Foundation for Environmental Education will help children learn about their own impact on the environment so they are able to make positive changes in the future, according to an expert on climate change education.

Dickie Felton, a spokesperson for Eco-Schools, said that children are very concerned about the environment and enjoy being able to voice their concerns on the issue.

“As today’s young people will be adult decision-makers when we start to feel the impact of climate change, it is very important that they learn about sustainability from a young age,” he added.

Mr Felton went on to say that the ‘eco-schools’ project is pupil-led, so he hopes it will encourage students to develop leadership skills and think independently.

The UK government’s sustainable energy plan, Education for Sustainable Development or Learning for Sustainability, has said schools must be places where sustainable living and working is demonstrated to young people and the local community.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association said: “We are keen to educate the younger generation about the need for more sustainable travel and this is why we invest in our own primary school programme. Most teachers are keen to promote sustainability but think they haven’t the time given other pressures. The resources at www.eta-schools.co.uk are specifically designed to provide an exciting topic for a whole week of teaching across different subjects where all the planning and preparation is already done.”

The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.