This research report presents the findings of the 2024 Climate Literacy Survey, commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to assess the level of climate literacy amongst school leavers leaving secondary education in England.
Basic knowledge of climate change proved to be inconsistent. While just over half (55%) of the surveyed cohort recalled recent climate change education, despite its integration within GCSE science and other subjects, a substantial proportion (31%) could not quantify the extent of global warming since 1850. Furthermore, of those who attempted to provide an estimate, 52% overestimated the impact. While participants correctly identified natural changes as having the least impact (46%) on global warming, they significantly overestimated the contributions of transport (46%) and plastic waste (49%), demonstrating a lack of nuanced comprehension regarding sustainability. Although a slight majority (54%) expressed concern about climate change, and a similar proportion (49%) anticipated personal impacts, this concern was not consistently underpinned by accurate knowledge.
Regarding the causes of climate change, only 31% of participants accurately differentiated between weather and climate, and only 44% selected the correct definition of climate change. A mere 14% correctly identified large-scale weather patterns (e.g., El Niño) as the primary cause of global climate variability, highlighting a deficit in understanding natural short-term climate fluctuations. While recognition of key greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (84%) and methane (76%) was generally high, a significant minority (40%) incorrectly identified carbon monoxide as a greenhouse gas. The identification of fossil fuels (oil: 86%, coal: 85%, natural gas: 68%) was more accurate.
Concerning evidence and impacts, 76% of participants demonstrated a general understanding of the dynamic nature of the Earth’s climate system. Recognition of indicators such as rising sea levels (74%), melting glaciers (79%), and melting sea ice (73%) was relatively strong. However, fewer recognized migrating species (41%) and changing seasons (35%), suggesting a limited understanding of geographical variations in climate change impacts. While awareness of the link between climate change and extreme weather events (43%) was present, the magnitude of this impact was widely overestimated, underscoring the necessity for clearer communication regarding extreme weather event attribution.
In terms of mitigation and adaptation strategies, approximately half (51%) correctly defined adaptation, but only a third (34%) accurately defined mitigation, revealing a potential comprehension gap. A tendency to conflate mitigation (addressing the root causes of climate change) with adaptation (adjusting to its impacts) was evident, particularly regarding actions with immediate benefits, such as solar panel installation (incorrectly identified as adaptation by 62%). Only 20% correctly defined net zero emissions, with twice as many (40%) admitting a lack of knowledge.