Everyone feels differently about important events, it's normal. Today we hear from some of Teach the Future's volunteers about how they're feeling and explore what they're taking away from the fact that we're at this stage.
In today’s blog, we’re sharing how some of our volunteers and staff feel about the Second Reading. There’s no one way you should feel about an event like this, but we’re all starting to get that feeling of nervous excitement. As this is the first stage where MPs vote on whether the Bill continues, we’re counting on others to support our Bill as much as we do. And that’s quite scary!
We want MPs to show that they’ve listened to their constituents’ demands for Climate Education. We want Parliament to start to show the country that it’s serious about climate action. We want the media to show how much students care about the planet and how far we’ll go to make change happen. So no pressure, but a lot is riding on the Second Reading!
Without further ado, let’s hear from the Teach the Future members!
“It’s so relieving to finally see the shift from climate denial to embracing the start of meaningful action on the Climate Crisis. This Bill is so important in showing that not only do young people care about the climate crisis - so much so that we are willing to write our own policy to include climate change in education - but also that we (as students and as a community) do have the power to change the system.”
“Teach the Future has worked incredibly hard on this Bill for months, and we want it to pay off. We aren’t fighting to make every school subject focus on science or geography, we’re fighting to make sure every student understands the greatest crisis of humanity and how to help solve it.”
“I am really excited to have our Bill in Parliament for its Second Reading. It is the first-ever student-written Bill to go through Parliament, so it feels like we're being heard and taken seriously! But equally, I am nervous too! I've got all my fingers crossed that we are supported and that the MPs present agree that Climate Education is essential in preparing young people for their future.”
“I am really excited about the prospect of our Climate Education Bill passing its Second Reading, as it would be an opportunity for us to make history in curriculum reform and youth voice, as well as become an example of the results coming from reactionary and consistent campaigning from young people - despite the many obstacles that come from a system working against us and contradicting the values of the climate justice movement. Having gained support from across the political spectrum (with at least one supportive representative from every sitting party), we can see that our years of campaigning and pressure from the youth Climate Justice movement has impacted the political landscape and broken down the convention of who influences policy - regardless of age. It would be incredible if the Climate Education Bill passes on Friday and would be a massive step forward for the movement calling for increased inclusion of sustainability in the curriculum. However, in the unfortunate event that it doesn't, we will not stop campaigning. Climate education is a right for every young person across the world to be prepared for their future lives and equipped with the knowledge and skills to live in a green and just society. It is a necessity and must be implemented, whether through this hopeful bill later this week or in the near future!”
“On Friday, our Bill goes in the House of Commons for its second reading. This stage in the UK legislative system is usually make-or-break for prospective laws, so it’s definitely been nerve-wracking. Despite that and no matter the outcome of this week, the ripples that the Climate Education Bill has created will continue to be felt by those in the political ocean it was thrown into.
The fact that this piece of legislation has gotten this far - a Parliamentary sponsor, recognition from 8 political parties, union support and far more - is a testament to changing attitudes in the UK, showcasing just how much the public wants Climate Education. Democracy holds a mirror to society, issues are brought up which are meaningful to the masses. Whether or not the right decision is made in Parliament is aside from the point; the Bill is in the Commons because of public support.
This will start a domino effect - we as a campaign are only just over 2 years old, and we have seen so much progress in Parliament. Personally, I hope that this shows people that their ideas about what the UK needs should not stay as ideas. We hope to inspire any and all young people to face the climate crisis by using the political system that they are so proportionally neglected in. Teach the Future has already done just that; it has taught young people that youth action works.”
“The Department for Education’s Climate Strategy has little to say on actual Education - on curriculum changes to give children the knowledge and skills to drive a green workforce. We need to go further than this strategy if we truly want to shape a resilient generation.
I didn’t do geography or separate science, so my Climate Education was a page in a textbook, and that’s a dangerous message to send - that the only ones who need to know about climate change, to be part of the solution, are geographers and scientists. We need everyone doing green work if we are ever going to have a safe world.”