Study claims UK girls more anxious about climate change than boys

‘Three-quarters of the girls surveyed wanted to learn about how climate change impacts human health and wellbeing, compared to 60 per cent of boys,’ explained Professor Nicola Walshe.

If getting future generations hyped for green hobs was the aim, the UK’s comprehensive schooling system has done a seriously shoddy job. Just 31% of students stated a belief that learning about climate change or sustainability could eventually translate into a career.

Gen Z, meanwhile, who have largely carried the mantle for climate change activism, want to land green jobs but just one in 20 have acquired the specific skillset to do so. Even fewer know where to begin in the first place.

In an effort to turn the odds more favourably, the study’s authors have made several suggestions to engage students more on climate change, including a focus on outdoor learning and embedding the topic throughout the curriculum where possible.

Crucially, the report highlights a need to address students directly about their anxiety, hopelessness, and anger on the climate crisis. The results of the study will now begin to inform development programs for teachers.

If you’re interested in learning what green prospects you could strive for academically, check out the Work on Climate Slack group and platforms like Climatebase. Universities such as the MIT and UC Berkley have also launched master’s degree courses for climate solutions.

Strictly, we have to ensure nihilism doesn’t spread to future generations who will likely see and endure more drastic climate impacts than us. In the UK, however, green shoots of positivity aren’t yet visible.