As the world takes steps towards uniting to face and attempt at solving the rising issue of climate change, New Zealand schools are set to include teaching on such a phenomenon in classes.

The curriculum that schools make use of will be updated in order to deliver correct teaching and education that deals with climate change. 

Education on climate change will be offered to everyone in public schools between the ages of 11 and 15 but will not be mandatory. 

New Zeland’s climate change minister, James Shaw stated that children are “really crying out for something like this,” as they are aware of the “existential threat to civilization.” 

He continued, "They’re seeing stuff on social media on a daily basis and none of it is good news, and the sense of powerlessness that comes from that is extremely distressing."

The teaching will also deal with the consequences of climate change – including the intense emotions. Younger generations will be facing the repercussions of actions that were not previously taken and may therefore lead to anger and frustration. 

Furthermore, students will be taught on what environmental actions they may take.

Shaw said, "It explains the role science plays in understanding climate change, aids understanding of both the response to it and its impacts – globally, nationally and locally – and explores opportunities to contribute to reducing and adapting to it impact on everyday life."