Mulherin calls for Climate Action short courses for Junior Cycle to be fast-tracked

A new Junior Cycle short course on Climate Action must be fast-tracked, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Mayo Senator Michelle Mulherin, who also sits on the Oireachtas Climate Committee, said: “There is already a wide range of engaging and topical short courses on offer as part of the new Junior Cycle.

“A new short course on climate action will be developed for the junior cycle curriculum to complement the ongoing implementation of the National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development 2014 – 2020.

“The Climate Action Plan outlines that the course will be developed with the SEAI, the NCCA, the EPA and other key stakeholders for Junior Cycle at the end of next year.

“I am calling for this to be fast-tracked. We have already seen from the enthusiastic participation of students from around the country in climate change protests outside Dáil Éireann how well informed and proactive these young people are when it comes to protecting the environment.

“A key cornerstone of the Government’s Climate Action Plan is making changes today that will ensure a more sustainable tomorrow.

“What better way than to engage with young teenagers as part of their school curriculum, especially when they are so interested in the topic. This course should be introduced sooner rather than later.”

Senator Mulherin continued: “I have visited numerous schools that have participated in the Green Flag initiative run by An Taisce and local authorities.

“It is a very successful environmental awareness initiative but more is needed.”

Senator Mulherin concluded: “Short courses are designed for approximately 100 hours of student engagement and should emphasise students’ active learning.

“I believe students would find a climate action course interesting, stimulating and would help equip them with the information to make more sustainable environmental choices throughout their lives.

“I am delighted that there are plans to develop this course, but I believe it should be available sooner.”