Green Careers Mission Recognised in National Climate Education Report
A new report published by the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) has highlighted Greater Manchester’s Green Careers Mission as a leading example of how universities can use climate education to support the UK’s transition to net zero.
The report, Civic Approaches to Climate Education, explores how universities nationwide are using innovation and civic partnership to build a greener future – singling out Green Careers Mission as a "groundbreaking" example of co-creation in which students, universities, employers, and local government work together to solve regional environmental challenges.
Developed through the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement, Green Careers Mission brings together students from the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the University of Salford.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, students tackle live sustainability challenges set directly by regional employers. By aligning these challenges with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Five-Year Environment Plan, the initiative ensures that student-led innovation contributes directly to the region's specific net-zero targets.
The initiative was praised in the NCIA report for its unique approach to climate education, particularly its success in empowering students as changemakers with a leading role in the region’s journey to net zero; the report also cited the initiative's cross-sector partnership as a blueprint for success, noting the powerful results achieved when universities, employers, and civic partners unite around a shared regional goal.
Report author, Tania Carregha, reflected:
“Climate education is a crucial part of building a fairer, greener future, preparing people of all ages to participate in their own ways. Civic universities have the opportunity to deliver climate education in a way that is meaningful, collaborative and place-sensitive. The potential impact of a civic approach to climate education should not be underestimated.”
Read the Full Report: Civic Approaches to Climate Education is available to download now from the National Civic Impact Accelerator website.
