Written question WQ82640

Welsh Government recognises the importance of educating our children and young people about climate change, its causes and its impact both at home and globally and action that is needed.

Learning on climate and environmental challenges will be mandatory in the Curriculum for Wales. The statements of what matters for the Humanities and Science and Technology Areas of Learning and Experience include explicit references to climate and the environment, to ensure learners engage with challenges such as climate change.

Guidance for the Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience highlights that learners should have opportunities to debate the benefits and risks of technological and scientific development, building their understanding of the impact of human activity on different environments, and developing and evaluating strategies to minimise the negative impacts of human activity.

Through Welsh Government funded education programmes including Eco Schools and Size of Wales, we are able to go further than the classroom and actively engage with children and young people with policy development and taking action, listening to their views and creating opportunities for them to have their voices heard.

A consultation on the Curriculum for Wales Draft Statements of What Matters Code closes on the 16 July. Within this consultation, there is a specific question on whether the statements in respect of the climate emergency are suitably clear.