Children want lessons in caring for the planet Education May 4, 2017 A new survey shows that children want lessons in caring for our home and its wildlife and says that the environment should be taught in schools to save the Earth; findings that the team at DSWF fully endorse. The survey of 1,000 under-14s by Explore Learning found that pollution was their biggest worry, followed by the extinction of animals, politics and rising sea levels. The young people questioned also said they were worried about their futures with 97% saying they wanted lessons in caring for the planet. Pandas were the animals that children were most concerned about dying out, followed by polar bears and elephants. Nearly nine out of ten children said they were worried about Donald Trump being the President of the United States, Trump once said that climate change was “a hoax”. Three-quarters believed human activity causes animal extinctions, while almost the same number fear coral reefs could soon die off. Steve Backshall, adventurer, environmentalist, author and TV presenter of Deadly 60, said: “It’s heartening to know that so many children care about the impact that pollution is having on the world around us. We are incredibly lucky to have an amazing array of animals in this world and a beautiful planet to inhabit so it is of paramount importance for our future generations to look after them. I would certainly agree that saving the environment should be a top priority in schools.” The research was carried out to highlight the theme of this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards – ‘the future’. Commenting on the findings DSWF Education Manager, Jo Elphick said: “Running regular conservation lessons in schools means that we are aware not only of the schools passion to share the conservation message with children but also the passion and concern that the children have for our planet and its wildlife. Inspiring young people to be the wildlife guardians of the future is fundamental to what we do.” In the last few months Jo has engaged over 2,000 children in conservation workshops at 34 schools and every year DSWF encourages young people to take part in its annual Global Canvas Art Competition to express their concern for the environment through art. You can find out more about this great event, including terms and conditions and entry forms here. To book a conservation workshop contact Jo here – some geographic restrictions may apply. Link copied
