MORE THAN 100 individuals have signed up to become climate ambassadors as part of a STEM Learning and University of Reading scheme.
The project, which offers crash courses in climate change issues for teachers and education leaders, has reached this milestone less than a year after its creation in April 2022.
So far, 115 people are being provided with the latest climate science to help students understand the impact of global warming and ways of mitigating it. Participating schools are being supported to reach net zero and make their buildings more resistant to extreme weather.
The scheme has reached more than 37,000 people at 249 schools and organisations, with 240 activities having been completed in 822 hours of activity.
Prof Andrew Charlton-Perez, the University of Reading climate scientist who created the scheme, said: “This landmark achievement marks the latest step in the university’s mission to share its climate change expertise with the world.
“From the beginning we’ve said we want to offer more than just school assemblies and we’ve done that by helping share expertise with schools and colleges across a wide variety of subjects that will arm the next generation with the knowledge they need to confront climate change.
“This includes teacher training days, offering practical solutions to school leaders on cutting carbon emissions, and even offering safety advice during periods of extreme weather.
“It’s reassuring and humbling to know so many leaders in our local community are committed to tackling climate change head-on.”
Prof Charlton-Perez also expressed his gratitude to colleagues across the country who had supported the scheme and encouraged others to sign up to help schools deliver climate education.
The scheme was first launched as part of the university’s climate education action plan after it was unveiled at COP26 in November 2021.
It was developed following a major Climate Education Summit hosted in September 2021 by Reading with partners including the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.
Dr Sylvia Knight, head of education at the Royal Meteorological Society, was appointed a visiting professor at the university.
She said: “I am truly honoured to be appointed as Visiting Professor at the University of Reading, some 20 years after I worked there first as a PhD student and then in postdoctoral research.
“Through my joint appointment, I hope to support the excellent work the university is already doing to promote and improve the teaching of climate change in UK schools and colleges, exploring the opportunities in all subject areas to better equip our young people for the green jobs, challenges and opportunities of the future.”
In another demonstration of the university’s commitment to sharing its knowledge, its Institute of Education has established a framework that ensures all teachers have free access to training which empowers them to incorporate climate education into their teaching.
The climate and sustainability initial teacher education is currently being piloted with a full roll-out expected.
For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/planet/climate-education/climate-ambassador-scheme
