Nature GCSE backers want more 'greenlightenment'
Steve Backshall calls for nature education as a survey says 55% of children have not climbed a tree.
Conservationists Steve Backshall and Sir Tim Smit are advocating for increased emphasis on environmental education in schools. As the government is considering a new natural history GCSE, Sir Tim emphasized that understanding the natural world is crucial for humanity's future. Backshall, who hosts the Wild Heligan experience, shared his observations on how nature rejuvenates and energizes people.
A survey by Heligan, involving 1,004 parent-child pairs, revealed that 55% of children had never climbed a tree. Backshall stressed that the natural world has much to offer, yet it now needs humanity more than ever. He concluded that engaged young people are happier, healthier, and more likely to tackle global environmental challenges.
Sir Tim highlighted that it is our duty to prepare the next generation with the knowledge to safeguard nature. The survey revealed that many children lack opportunities to experience nature, with 61% never having collected a conker or camped in a tent. Interestingly, 34% of children said they would opt for the proposed natural history GCSE if it were offered at their school, with 41% indicating they were likely to choose it.
The government believes that a GCSE in natural history would equip pupils with valuable skills for a transforming job market, potentially decreasing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
