UK school leavers still unprepared for green careers, new RMetS survey finds - Royal Meteorological Society

The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) has released the results of its 2025 Climate Literacy Survey, revealing that many UK school leavers still lack the understanding and skills needed to participate fully in the transition to a green economy.

The annual survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 school leavers across the UK, found continued limited understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as low awareness of the policies and actions that can help people prepare for and adapt to a changing climate in the UK.

Professor Sylvia Knight, Head of Education at the Royal Meteorological Society, said: "As the UK moves toward a clean energy economy, climate literacy will be fundamental to preparing young people for green careers. Our latest survey shows that while students care deeply about climate change, many are leaving school without the knowledge and confidence they’ll need to make informed choices – both as citizens and as workers in a decarbonised economy."

The findings come after the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) and the Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which placed climate and environmental education at the heart of its recommendations, and the UK Government’s plan to create 400,000 new clean energy jobs by 2030. Together, they highlight both the urgency and opportunity in strengthening climate education across the UK’s nations.