Following the launch of the State of Nature report, I am keen to stimulate a debate about what else we need to do to live in harmony with nature. Over the next few weeks, people from differing perspectives will propose their One Big Thing for Nature. Today, I am delighted to welcome some thoughts from a youth perspective from some of the RSPB's Phoenix forum members on education.
Many teenagers not only wanted to learn more, but also wanted people to learn about the consequences of their actions and aspirations. One said “What the children need is an education which lets them know what their actions are doing and what they can do to counteract that.” Another wrote: “I do think the best way to protect nature in the long run is to educate. If we teach children to care for and enjoy nature whilst they are still young a lot of them will carry at least a bit of that love into there later lives.” Who could object to the aspiration of carrying more love into adult life?
Do you agree? And what would be your One Big Thing for Nature?
It would be great to hear your views.
I'm afraid I'm going to disagree a bit with the Phoenix members - I'd far rather sit down to discuss the environment with them than a random group of adults - and, even worse, many of the politicians and experts who currently hold power over us - Phoenix members (and in fact most teenagers I've come across) are better informed and more concerned than most 50 year olds, and even worse we have the powerful group, led by some of the richest people on the planet who seem cynically to be taking the 'I'm all right Jack' view that environmental disaster will be beyond their lifetime, and presumably that their children and grandchildren will be protected by the privelege of extreme wealth. We need a bit of life long learning - and a bit of the responsibility mature adults are expected to have - and a great deal less criticism of younger people who often carry the ideals we should all aspire to, whatever our age.
Again, all very sensible
I couldn't agree more with these ideas from young people. In a recent piece I wrote for The Ecologist, I argued that Securing Nature's Future depends on childhood experiences of nature and the love for nature which comes from these.
To precis my argument, addressing some of the more structural problems which are afflicting nature, we need a wider shift in values - towards compassion and care for nature. The best place to start this is by giving today's children and young people opportunities to care for nature and to ignite a life-long love for it.
Thereby, tomorrow's citizens, conservation sector and decision-makers will be rich in people who understand and care about nature.
The conservation sector should invest more today for the conservation successes of tomorrow by putting more resources into work with young people and children.
www.theecologist.org/.../securing_natures_future.html