Girls More Anxious About Climate Change Than Boys, New Research Reveals

Recent research conducted by University College London (UCL) highlights a significant gender disparity in climate change anxiety among students in English schools. Girls are more likely to worry about climate change and its impacts compared to boys, prompting calls for a more comprehensive approach to climate education.

Key Findings of the Study

The survey, which included 2,429 students aged 11 to 14, revealed that 36% of pupils worry 'a lot' or 'all the time' about the future of the planet. Half of the respondents expressed moderate concern, while 53% said that the perception of adults not doing enough to combat climate change made them anxious. Notably, 44% of girls reported high levels of worry compared to 27% of boys.

Socioeconomic Disparities

The study also uncovered disparities in climate change engagement based on socioeconomic status. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to value or enjoy learning about climate change than their more advantaged peers.

Desire for Better Climate Education

A significant number of students expressed a desire for more comprehensive climate change education. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents wanted to learn more about climate change and sustainability, particularly through outdoor activities. However, there were notable differences in interests between genders. For instance, 75% of girls wanted to learn about the impact of climate change on human health and wellbeing, compared to 60% of boys.

Addressing Climate Anxiety

Professor Nicola Walshe, executive director of the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, emphasized the importance of addressing climate anxiety through a broader climate education approach. She suggests that including topics on health and wellbeing could help mitigate the worries of young people, particularly girls.

Engagement with Climate-Focused Careers

The research also highlighted a lack of engagement with climate-focused careers in English schools. Only 31% of students felt that climate education could translate into job opportunities, and just 17% were interested in pursuing a career in sustainability. Among less advantaged students, only 14% saw a future in green careers.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance climate education and address student anxiety, the researchers made several recommendations:

Develop Green Careers Provision: Integrate green career pathways and opportunities into the school curriculum.
Increase Student Engagement and Action: Provide more opportunities for students to engage in climate action within schools.
Expand Outdoor Learning: Incorporate more outdoor learning experiences into climate education.
Embed Climate Education Across Subjects: Ensure that climate change and sustainability are taught across all school subjects.
Address Student Emotions: Explicitly address the anxiety, hopelessness, and anger students feel about climate change.

Conclusion

The findings from this study provide a crucial evidence base for improving climate education in schools. By addressing the emotional and educational needs of students, educators and policymakers can better prepare the next generation to tackle the climate crisis. The UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education aims to use these insights to inform its professional development programs for teachers, ensuring a more resilient and informed student body.

A study by University College London (UCL) has found that girls in English schools are more anxious about climate change than boys. The survey of 2,429 students aged 11 to 14 showed that 44% of girls worry about climate change 'a lot' or 'all the time', compared to 27% of boys. The study also found a general lack of engagement with climate-focused careers among students and highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to climate education.

FAQs

Q: What does the new research on climate anxiety reveal? A: The research shows that girls are more anxious about climate change than boys, with 44% of girls worrying 'a lot' or 'all the time' compared to 27% of boys.

Q: How do students feel about climate change and the future? A: About 36% of surveyed students worry 'a lot' or 'all the time' about the future, while half worry 'a little'. Additionally, 53% are anxious that adults are not doing enough to protect the environment.

Q: What are the students' views on climate-focused careers? A: Only 31% of students felt that learning about climate change and sustainability could lead to job opportunities, and just 17% expressed a desire to pursue a sustainability-related career.

Q: How can climate education be improved to address students' anxiety? A: Researchers recommend a more holistic approach to climate education that includes health and wellbeing topics, outdoor learning opportunities, and embedding climate change and sustainability in all subjects. They also suggest explicitly addressing students' anxiety, hopelessness, and anger about climate change.

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