Most parents believe universities aren’t effectively tackling climate crisis

Only four in ten parents (44%) of 16-18 year old’s believe the UK is teaching students about the climate crisis, according to research from organisation Universities UK. 

Despite nearly every UK university having sustainability strategies published, the study also found less than half of parents (49%) recognise universities are researching climate solutions. 

Only a quarter (24%) of those surveyed think they communicate to the public about their efforts. 

However, parents were also found to see universities as crucial to delivering the Department for Education’s sustainability strategy which was announced last week. 

64% think that a university experience could give their child the skills and knowledge to improve the world, while 70% believe a university degree is essential for a career in sustainability. 

More than one in three (37%) even said they would consider going into higher education to upskill and find their way into a career in combating the climate crisis. 

Universities across the country have now launched a new campaign to reassert their commitment to tackling the climate emergency. 

Through the MadeAtUni campaign, universities have teamed up with celebrities, such as model Lily Cole, and organisations to spread the word on the research and climate action being enacted by them. 

President of Universities UK, Professor Steve West, said: ‘We need urgent and ambitious climate solutions and must ensure future generations are given the chance to build the careers they need to tackle this emergency head on. Universities are crucial to this. A university education can make all the difference in equipping students with the knowledge and skills to help them to make a positive impact on the planet, whatever path they choose.’

The campaign has highlighted a number of projects undertaken by UK universities, such as the University of Brighton’s low energy building made from waste and the University of St Andrew’s project to convert old trains to run on hydrogen power. 

Actor, model and environmentalist, Lily Cole, said: ‘I’m proud to support this campaign and by association the ground-breaking work being delivered by our universities. They give me hope that together we can make the changes necessary to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.’

Photo by Dom Fou