Seventy-four young Tasmanians have had their say on what climate change education should look like, as part of the Young Tassie Climate Change-Makers Research Project.

This research project, led by the University of Tasmania and funded by the Spencer Educational Foundation, focused on empowering young people to reflect on their experiences with climate education, collaborate with key decision-makers, and co-create actionable recommendations for improvement.

Following regional workshops in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and St Helens, the participants presented their Manifesto for the kind of climate education they would like to see to education leaders and government decision-makers, in an online forum.

You can read the full Manifesto here.

The Young Tassie Climate Change-Makers Research Project is an incredible opportunity for young Tasmanians aged 12–16 to have their voices heard and shape the future of climate change education in Tasmania.

This research project, led by the University of Tasmania, is focused on empowering young people to reflect on their experiences with climate education, collaborate with key decision-makers, and co-create actionable recommendations for improvement.

What will I do?

• Attend a 6-hour session in your region to share ideas and experiences and learn skills for communication. Workshops are scheduled for:
  • Hobart – Sun 4 May
  • Launceston – Sun 11 May 
  • St Helens – Sun 18 May 
  • Burnie – Sun 25 May
• After the workshops, you will work directly with decision-makers to create change in a 2.5-hour online session.
• You will receive a $100 gift card as a thank-you for their time.
• Sign up here: Climate Change-Makers Sign Up Form

Our new cartoon guide, illustrated by Rosie Murrell, answers children's questions about climate change, and what we can do about it.

The guide shows two young characters explaining what's going on with climate change, and how it impacts Australia and the world. They also talk about wellbeing and the actions we can take ourselves to make change that is both local and globally important.

Printed copies will be available for classes from Term three, 2024.

The Curious Climate Schools team analysed questions submitted by children in 2021-22, and found that 40% of children's questions focussed on climate action. While the climate change burden facing young people is inherently unfair, they have the potential to be the most powerful generation when it comes to creating change. Read more about our research in The Conversation or find the full paper in One Earth.

We're excited to be part of the 2024 Youth Climate Leaders Program, which kicks off in March with conferences in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Teachers and young people can find out more and sign up here.

Kim Beasy, Chloe Lucas, Gabi Mocatta, Gretta Pecl and Rachel Kelly reviewed the new Australian curriculum for The Conversation.