Schools
Students are set to play a crucial role in helping the environment in the coming years, and there is a strong call for environmental topics to be included within school curriculums. Not only can schools produce powerful change within their own communities, they are at the centre of our planet’s future, with budding scientists, conservationists, inventors, politicians and lawmakers – the next generation hold all the keys! Students, partner schools, universities and organisations (environmental and corporate) should connect and collaborate. This will expose students to important roles and projects, through committees, workshops, eco-conferences and national objectives – constructive follow-up to striking for change. Collaboration can lead to exposure to experts, development of knowledge and career opportunities to create bigger change than ever imagined.
Organisations
Students can study projects and get involved practically by collaborating with organisations. Local wildlife trusts, for example, may be able to run workshops and facilitate a joint project, or you may be able to arrange a visit and take your learning outside to experience nature first hand!
Universities
There are currently 63 universities in the UK offering 243 Undergraduate Environmental Science courses – that’s a lot of potential for collaboration! Schemes for students to supervise and advise on projects, collect data for their own studies, do research and provide reports on student projects by partnering with a school present an amazing opportunity for connecting and for recording and measuring school or community project impact!
Communities
Schools are well positioned to be their own Eco Hub at the heart of their community. Projects do not have to be limited to within school grounds… why not collaborate with community groups and leaders, parish councillors and district councils to find out how a planned project could benefit the wider community? Supported by organisations and experts, vital and important changes could be made to your area to benefit the environment!
Individuals
Alone you can make a difference… but groups can make a bigger difference! Campaigns can be soft and local, or hard and national, such as Extinction Rebellion’s national campaign of awareness. Another is to get together with your friends, form a group and campaign about issues locally that harm the environment. Remember, it is Your World, Your Future, and that can start with the area where you live or go to school. Imagine how effective multiple local campaigns could be around the country in improving local environments, and then imagine the impact this could have overall!
Local Companies
Businesses, organisations and companies have a vital role to play in collaboration for the environment. From plastic manufacturers to food production, energy / oil companies, farming and factories… much can be achieved when corporations step forward to support green ambitions. Local company support can make a huge difference by sponsoring project collaboration, not only for the cause but also their own environmental image.