Modern childhood is increasingly shaped by the realities of climate change, which are

altering the experiences and perspectives of young people today. With extreme

weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation becoming more

frequent, climate change is now a tangible part of children's lives. This shift is

impacting their mental health, fuelling anxiety about the future, and influencing their

education as schools strive to identify and teach solutions. While children today are

more aware of global challenges, they also bear the burden of growing up in a world

where the effects of climate change are ever-present.

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Outdoor and Environmental Education, often seen as a solution to this challenge, has

largely failed to make a significant impact in fostering responsible earth stewards with

a deep love for nature. This is primarily because it has been treated as an 'add-on'

rather than a core element of the curriculum, confined to occasional trips or isolated

activities, rather than providing the consistent, immersive experiences needed to

develop meaningful connections with the natural world.

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However, hope lies in the five pathways to nature connection curriculum. Recent

research shows that engaging with these pathways-senses, beauty, compassion,

emotion, and meaning-not only improves well-being but also encourages positive

environmental actions. When fully integrated into the school curriculum, these

pathways offer a holistic approach that nurtures children's innate bond with nature,

fostering a deep, lifelong respect and responsibility for the environment, all while

meeting the national curriculum requirements for England and Wales.