More than half of teachers in England are in favour of teaching children to take direct action against climate change, according to a survey.
The research, led by the University of Bristol, involved asking 626 primary and secondary school teachers across England for their views on climate change education.
Teachers believed almost unanimously in an action-focused climate change curriculum incorporated across subject, beginning with conservation projects in early primary school.
Results also showed 54 per cent of those surveyed believed this should extend to participation in civil disobedience at secondary school.
Professor Paul Howard-Jones, the study's lead author, said children have been 'inspired' by Swedish teenage climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Thunberg, 18, whose activism has inspired a global movement, shot to fame after launching a solo 'school strike' outside the Swedish parliament aged just 15.
More than half of teachers in England are in favour of teaching children to take direct action against climate change, according to a survey. Pictured: Environmental campaigners block London's Oxford Circus during a coordinated protest by the Extinction Rebellion group on April 15, 2019
The study, published in the journal Environmental Education Research, found that 72 per cent of respondents were already teaching or talking about climate change with their students.
Children had been 'inspired' by teenage climate activist Greta Thunburg, lead author Professor Paul Howard-Jones said.
Professor Paul Howard-Jones, lead author of the work, said: 'Teachers want their students to be informed in how
