Climate change is a grave threat to the stability and future of our planet. It is no longer enough to discuss sustainable development without considering the needs of future generations, and the resources they need to deal with the problem we're leaving behind. As a society, we need to take urgent action to address this, and one of the key ways we can do this is through adapting the education system.
We believe that for the future of our children and the planet, the education system needs to prioritize knowledge around environmental sustainability and provide opportunities for implementation of solutions. As times change and our civilization evolves, so too must our priorities and values. We must ensure that the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers are well-versed in environmental issues and committed to finding solutions
Our goals
In order to achieve this, we are on a mission to ensure that sustainability and circular economy focused topics and programs are an intrinsic part of the curriculum. Students must learn about the damaging effects of pollution, the importance of caring for the planet, and the urgent need for sustainable living. By instilling these values in our children from an early age, we can create a generation that is passionate about protecting the planet and committed to taking action to combat climate change.
Furthermore, if we provide opportunities to work toward solutions and their implementation, we give future generations a fighting chance to save the planet and the people in it!
Our actions
At Think Ocean, we are committed to working with schools to develop a comprehensive environmental sustainability education program. We believe that this is an urgent issue that demands immediate action and are pleased to be partnering with Embark Primary and Secondary schools to implement a pilot programme that will teach students about environmental sustainability and engage them in finding solutions to environmental problems. The Think Ocean Education Program will be brought to life through a cross phase curriculum project, working with an established group of schools in Chesterfield to plan and implement the pilot - very much in line with our own work on the Horizon Mission 2023. The programme will also enhance pupils' disciplinary literacy in related areas of Science and Geography, by adopting an established methodology developed by the schools with the support of the Education Endowment Foundation. We are intending to conduct the pilot project across the Summer and Autumn 2024 terms, before supporting the wider Embark family of schools to implement a refined programme in 2025.
The importance of environmental education cannot be overstated. We must take action now to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Education is the foundation from which we can work toward a planet that survives. Combating climate change and protecting the environment begins with individual choices, but collective action with stakeholders across sectors, institutions and industries is needed for lasting change.
The work against climate change and environmental protection begins at the individual level and with personal choices, but only with an early knowledge and understanding of the damage we, as human, cause to our world, collective civic action, including institutional actors, will bring much-needed change and recovery to the planet.