If you’re exploring how your subject can contribute to climate change and nature education, a recent publication from UCL, Global Action Plan, NAEE, and the Council for Subject Associations may be of interest. Titled “The Key Contributions of Subjects to Climate Change and Nature Education: A Curriculum Policy Proposal”, this document offers valuable insights and practical guidance.
For a bit more background it is worth watching the launch webinar. As well as an outline of the aim of the proposed approach, it features primary and secondary teachers sharing brief reflections on how the proposals align with their experiences of integrating climate and nature education into their classrooms and schools.
The proposal is clearly written with the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review—led by Professor Becky Francis—in mind. Its central premise is that by embedding references to climate change, nature, and sustainability into the aims of all subjects in the revised curriculum, teachers across all age groups and disciplines will feel more empowered to innovate. However, its relevance extends beyond the review itself.
Rather than adding more content, the authors advocate for using an environmental lens to explore existing curriculum opportunities. This approach helps develop sustainability-related knowledge and skills, while also reinforcing values that support long-term commitment to sustainability.
To support this vision, the policy proposal presents a series of concise statements outlining how each national curriculum subject can contribute, alongside an overarching aims statement. These curriculum statements highlight how individual subjects can play a role in a whole-school approach to climate and nature education.
The proposal was officially launched on 24 September 2025 in a webinar featuring contributors, environmental education experts, and teachers who shared their perspectives and examples of effective practice.
- Read the full proposal and learn more about the project: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/sep/how-should-climate-change-and-nature-feature-englands-revised-school-curriculum
- Watch the launch webinar: https://www.transform-our-world.org/news/webinar-catchupkey-contributions-of-subjects-to-climate-change-and-nature-education
