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In our latest guest article, Tess Marczewski-Newman from the International Environment Negotiations Evidence team in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) discusses the importance of education as highlighted in the new IPBES Transformative Change Assessment. Education in the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment Nearly 150 Governments came together in December last year to approve an ambitious new assessment on the need for transformative change to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally.  The new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, known as the ‘IPCC for biodiversity’) report  highlights the need for transformative change – which refers to fundamental, systemic shifts in attitudes, values, structures, and practices to reshape how society interacts with nature – to tackle global environmental challenges and crises. A key element in achieving this transformative change is education, particularly among young people, who play a crucial role in a positive future for nature.  The IPBES assessment emphasises that tackling the biodiversity crisis requires us to rethink the structures that govern human interactions with the natural world. Education is key to this process, as it empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to engage in sustainability and biodiversity conservation efforts. Education can foster an understanding of the intrinsic value of nature, promoting a shift from viewing biodiversity merely as a resource, to recognising it as something that humans are part of, and that we need to exist in harmony with.  Shifting views, values, practices and paradigms can be achieved through education across all levels, by formal and informal means, to promote the responsibility we have for nature, and strengthen the connection humans have with nature - including through  increasing awareness of alternative views of nature and Indigenous and local knowledge.   Formal education systems Firstly, the report highlights ways that biodiversity and sustainability can be integrated into formal education systems worldwide. By embedding biodiversity and conservation knowledge, and sustainable practices in curricula at all levels, the assessment explains that young people can develop a more profound connection to the natural world, and this can encourage them to take active roles in protecting biodiversity. Universities, colleges, trade schools and apprenticeships can offer training for future work forces in sustainability, regenerative agriculture, forestry, design and finance, as well as training in empathy and compassion, nature appreciation, and systems thinking. This develops capabilities to address multiple, intersecting environmental challenges.  Informal learning Going beyond the classroom, the IPBES assessment emphasises that education should also include informal learning experiences that allow young people to engage directly with nature, and help shift perceptions and values. Conservation projects and community-based initiatives can provide practical, real-world opportunities for young individuals to contribute to biodiversity conservation. These experiences, in addition to social and emotional learning, help to deepen understanding of the issues and can inspire long-term commitment to protecting the environment.    Young people in policy and decision-making In addition to formal and informal education, the report demonstrates evidence that young people’s involvement in policy and decision-making processes is crucial for transformative change. The assessment underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive, participatory approach to biodiversity governance to ensure all voices are represented. Within this, amplifying youth voices to have greater influence on policymaking could challenge both short-term thinking and the concentration of power.   Young people as agents of change Young people , the report goes onto explain,  can also play an important role in the transformative change process though being powerful agents of change in society. The rise of youth-led movements, such as the global Fridays for Future initiative, highlights the growing engagement of young people in advocating for urgent action to address climate change and nature loss. These movements demonstrate the ability of young people to mobilise, raise awareness, and place pressure on governments and corporations.  By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to understand and address biodiversity loss through various forms of education, we can ensure that future generations are motivated, prepared and equipped to protect nature.  If you’d like to know more about IPBES’ activities, including upcoming assessments (including the Business and Biodiversity Assessment; and the Biodiversity Monitoring Assessment, or information about the next Meeting of IPBES being hosted by the UK in 2026), please join our  mailing list .  Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

A Six-Episode Journey into Defence Sustainability The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has launched an enlightening six-episode podcast series that takes listeners behind the scenes of sustainability efforts across the UK's vast Defence Estate. This engaging audio series features conversations with senior military figures, project leaders and industrial partners who are tackling environmental challenges head-on. From strategic planning to on-the-ground implementation, each episode offers unique insights into how Defence is integrating sustainability into its core mission. Listeners will discover not just the challenges faced, but the innovative solutions being deployed across this immense portfolio. Why This Podcast Matters The first episode is available now, with subsequent instalments being added to the playlist upon release. This podcast series breaks through traditional communication barriers, ensuring that vital sustainability messages reach beyond formal channels to inform and inspire action across the Defence community and beyond. The Scale of the Challenge The Defence Estate is vast—occupying over 1% of the United Kingdom's landmass. This enormous scale presents unique sustainability challenges that require equally ambitious solutions. While many might assume environmental considerations would be secondary to Defence operations, today's reality shows a fundamental shift in priorities. Sustainability has become essential to maintaining operational capability in a changing climate. Consider a practical example: water scarcity could severely restrict military training capacity at key sites, directly impacting readiness. This isn't a distant concern—it's a present challenge requiring immediate attention. Sustainability in Action The Ministry of Defence is responding with remarkable innovation. The award-winning Net-Zero Carbon Accommodation Programme is revolutionising living quarters while reducing carbon emissions. Simultaneously, infrastructure initiatives such as standardised electric vehicle charging points being deployed across Defence facilities. These initiatives demonstrate how the MOD has elevated sustainability to stand alongside security and health & safety as strategic priorities—without compromising its primary mission of protecting national security. A Resource for Civil Servants For members of the Civil Service Climate Change + Environment Network (CSCCEN), this podcast offers valuable perspectives even if you rarely encounter Defence property. The series showcases how Defence personnel—both service members and civil servants — are applying their expertise to sustainability challenges that mirror those faced across government. Their innovative approaches provide potential models for environmental initiatives in other departments, making this podcast series a valuable resource for all civil servants interested in sustainability. Tune in to discover how one of Britain's largest landowners is pioneering sustainable practices while maintaining its critical mission of national security. The first episode is available here: Episode 1: The big picture with Major General Andy Sturrock To stay updated on new episodes, follow the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on social media: Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedIn

Given this month’s focus on “weather vs. climate”, CSCEN's Emilio Risoli and Rebecca Sawyer (CSCEN committee member and Met Office climate scientist) take us through how the Met Office provide both weather and climate information to inform policy and decision making across government and beyond. The Met Office, Exeter - © Crown Copyright The Met Office is probably best known for its weather forecasts. You might have seen its name alongside weather warnings, and perhaps you assumed that weather  was the extent of its brief. However, as the UK’s national meteorological service, the Met Office has another significant strand of work: the climate . The weather and climate are different terms used to describe different things. Put simply, the climate " describes the average weather conditions over a long period of time " usually over 20-30 years. While the weather tells you what you should wear on a particular day, the climate determines the clothes you have in your wardrobe. But modelling the climate is a different pursuit to weather forecasting, and it serves a range of very different purposes. The weather The Met Office is the UK’s national weather service. It is primarily funded by UK Government and at the core of its operation is the Public Weather Service (PWS). The PWS provides a reliable public forecast for all UK citizens, and includes the issuing of severe weather warnings. Alongside this, the Met Office delivers specialist forecasts and advice to the UK defence sector, weather information for the aviation sector, and a range of global weather services to clients across industry, academia, the media and more. The “Unified Model” – which has been used by the Met Office since 1990 – is used to predict the weather in a certain area across a range of timescales. This model is therefore used for both weather forecasting (a few days) and climate modelling (up to hundreds of years). The supercomputer currently used to do this, the Cray XC40 , is one of the most powerful of its kind in the world, and is capable of (an inconceivable) 14,000 trillion arithmetic operations each second. This allows the Met Office to obtain 215 billion weather observations from all over the world every day. If you assumed that this was all done by computers, however, you’d be wrong. Central to the provision of weather forecasts are the Met Office’s meteorologists. While computer models provide an initial indication of forecasted weather patterns and conditions, it is the meteorologists who assess and compare this information with real-world observations, including the scale and progress of weather systems,  to ensure that the forecast provided to end-users is as accurate as possible. For example, a huge part of a meteorologist’s role is around predicting how people respond and behave before and during a severe weather event. This informs the timing, scale and level of the weather warnings that are issued. Meteorologists work closely with civil contingency advisors, emergency responders and local authorities to coordinate warnings to ensure they keep people as safe as possible. Weather forecasting: more than just daily wardrobe decisions The Met Office provides weather services to a broad range of customers. In transport alone, its forecasts and insights support pilots, airlines and airports, train and freight operators, the Marine and Coastguard Agency and National Highways, to name just a few. As a more specific example, its specialist forecasts are used by rail operators to run their services safely and on time. If you’ve ever wondered why your train is delayed on a windy day, there’s a good chance that it’s to do with leaf-fall on the track. When trains pass over these leaves, they form a slippery layer on the track, equivalent to black ice on the roads. To combat this, the Met Office provide rail operators with specialist forecasts that include estimates of leaf-fall and highlight locations needing more attention. Alongside this data, the Met Office provide a team of experienced rail consultants, who advise operators with solutions for specific weather hazard vulnerabilities. And this goes beyond leaves: these consultants help operators address a range of weather-related challenges to improve network efficiency. Source: Network Rail Climate in the Met Office Scientists in the Met Office use a combination of observations and climate models to look at overall weather trends over ‘climatological’ periods of 10-30 years. As Carbon Brief explain, “ in many ways, climate modelling is just an extension of weather forecasting, but focusing on changes over decades rather than hours ”. The climate models provide us with the opportunity to test assumptions and scenarios which would not be possible to observe in the ‘real world’. By varying the starting conditions of these models (i.e. the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the temperature, land use and cover) we can see how the climate responds in different situations. This helps inform the speed and scale of policy interventions needed to reduce average global temperate rise. The Met Office Hadley Centre Climate Programme (MOHCCP) undertakes scientifically excellent climate research and provides policy-relevant scientific evidence and advice to Government. The programme helps to ensure that both environment and energy policies are grounded in the latest scientific evidence. The MOHCCP supports policy work across DESNZ, Defra, the FCDO and many other government departments. Case study: Using climate data to assess the risk posed by wind-driven rain to British buildings A good way to display how the Met Office’s climate data can be interpreted, and used to inform policy, is through a case study of a project funded by the MOHCCP. Last year, the Met Office worked with DESNZ to understand the risk of damage to cavity wall insulation from wind-driven rain , and how climate change might impact this. Cavity wall insulation is a common retrofit measure, and plays a key role in both decarbonising buildings and reducing energy bills for consumers. When rain drops vertically, this fabric remains largely sheltered. However, wind-driven rain can lead to water entering the cavity (via roofs, walls, windows, doors etc.) and damaging the building fabric. This not only leads to losses in thermal insulation (making the house colder), but it also causes damp and mould, creating unhealthy conditions for occupants. For this reason, the Building Regulations state that this type of insulation should be avoided in locations with high exposure to wind driven rain. However, the dataset used to identify at-risk locations is based on evidence recorded between 1959 and 1991. This created a significant knowledge gap: an understanding of the buildings which were not currently exposed to wind driven rain, but might be in the future as the climate changes. This DESNZ-Met Office project created an updated wind-driven rain dataset using high-resolution climate modelling. The study used the latest UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) to model changes in projected wind-driven rain for 2°C and 4°C warming scenarios (relative to the pre-industrial period). It found that while on average wind-driven rain is not expected to change significantly, it will become more concentrated in southerly and westerly parts of the UK. Moreover, it is projected to become more concentrated in winter months. © Crown Copyright Conclusion The work on wind-driven rain is now being used to inform updates to retrofit guidance and building regulations. It is just one example of how the Met Office uses climate modelling to inform policy and decision making, and its specificity illustrates just how varied the uses of climate modelling can be. A recent evaluation concluded that for every £1 of public money invested, the Met Office returns £18.80 in value . Its value to the taxpayer in supporting decision-making with high-level weather and climate data and expertise, especially in a world grappling with climate change, is clear. Next time your train is on time, or your retrofitted home doesn’t have damp on the walls, thank the Met Office. Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

We represent a group of civil servants from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our mission is to build climate and environment knowledge and policy capability across the Civil Service. Common Challenges of Net-Zero Policymaking with Kaya Axelsson Mon 12 May Microsoft Teams More info Details Unlocking Inner Potential for Sustainability Leadership: Introducing the Inner Development Goals Wed 14 May Microsoft Teams More info Register May Discussion Group: The future of environmental education: Forest Schools vs classroom-based education Thu 15 May Microsoft Teams More info Register Load More About Upcoming Events Podcasts Get involved Join us and subscribe Follow us on LinkedIn

Environment 101 'Environment 101' is our series of short and accessible videos which explain and explore the biggest issues in environmental policy. You can also find all our Environment 101 videos on our YouTube channel. Watch our YouTube Channel Understanding how climate affects weather | Environment 101 | CSCEN How does climate affect weather? In this video we explain the crucial link between weather extremes and our warming planet, and how a 1°C temperature rise is dramatically changing weather patterns worldwide. CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores the link between climate and weather. Climate, Environment and Law | Environment 101 | CSCEN This Environment 101 video provides an introduction to the Environment Act 2021. Watch if you'd like to know more about new laws to protect the environment and why they are necessary. Sustainable Finance Contracts for Difference | Environment 101 | CSCEN The UK's Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is driving the shift to a greener economy by supporting renewable energy investment. But how does this innovative mechanism work, and what impact does it have on sustainable finance and climate goals? The Role of Local Government | Environment 101 | CSCEN Local governments have a key role in delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation. They face a number of challenges in delivering against key policies, as every region and community will experience climate change differently. This environment 101 explores priorities, progress and challenges at the level of local government. Climate Disinformation and Misinformation | Environment 101 | CSCEN Climate Disinformation is the deliberate spread of false information. In this Environment 101 we look at what the consequences are of climate disinformation and how you can spot it. CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Digital Sustainability | Environment 101 | CSCEN Digital technology can help monitor and improve the climate and environment but it also comes at a cost to the environment. How do we balance the positives of digital technology against the negatives? CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores the costs and benefits of the digital sector. Climate and the environment at an individual level | Environment 101 | CSCEN We all have an impact on the climate and environment we live in. But how can we as individuals act to be more sustainable in our daily lives? CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores how the choices we make around food consumption can have a positive impact on climate and the environment. Enabling Green Choices With the UK's aims to reach net zero by 2050, enabling green choices is more important than ever. Watch our latest CSCEN Environment 101 video to learn more about what factors help encourage people to make greener choices and which sectors would have the most progress towards net zero targets. Unintended Consequences Explore how actions can have both positive and negative unintended consequences, examples of what this can look like, and steps than can be taken to measure and prevent negative unintended consequences where possible. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Feeding the Future Explore the urgency of achieving a hunger-free world by 2030 in this video. Discover how rising food insecurity, fuelled by conflict, Covid, and climate change, demands immediate action. UN Secretary-General's six-point plan calls for global collaboration in areas like sustainable policies, inclusive governance, and innovative solutions. As COP 28 approaches, we examine the pivotal role of discussions in shaping policies for a resilient and sustainable food future. Join the conversation for a world where no one goes hungry. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Conference of the Parties (COP) A brief history of the COP, key agreements, challenges and a forward look to COP 28. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Animal Tracking Animal tracking technology has progressed rapidly, allowing policy makers to create informed and effective legislation to preserve and promote wildlife. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Wild UK The recent BBC series ‘Wild Isles’ has shown the UK’s amazing range of species and habitats – across woodlands, freshwater, the ocean and grasslands. Despite the vast range shown, the UK is in fact one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. What policies are aimed at meeting halting this decline? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Environmental Threats in Space How does our pollution impact our solar system beyond planet Earth? What are the biggest environmental threats in Space? In the past few years, as globally we send more and more objects into space, it has become clear that the present pace of growth is unsustainable, and we sit on the brink of an environmental crisis. Space debris can have a myriad of negative impacts on climate and the environment, which need to be addressed urgently in order to use space sustainably and to support us with our climate and environmental goals on land. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Conflict and Disaster How do war and conflict impact the environment? What can we do to mitigate the harmful effects of war on the environment? Recent years have seen a marked increase in instabilities: political, societal, and environmental. From the floods in Pakistan, to the invasion of Ukraine, the risks posed by conflict and disaster which we are facing as a global community are more grave than ever. Environmental impacts of war will last decades and will have long-term and reverberating effects on the health of both ecosystems and people. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Green Utopia Earth in 2100 - a positive vision of the future? What will the world look like if we avert climate disaster? Futuristic transport, homes, jobs, economy, food, entertainment, shopping... Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Schools and Universities How will environmental knowledge be taught in classrooms across the UK, what initiatives do we have to encourage young people's interest in these issues, and what is the role of technical education as a pathway to green jobs? Education and Skills: How will education aid us in the fight against climate change? How are we retraining workers for the green economy? What is the UK doing to create a new generation of climate leaders? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Work and Society How are green jobs created, why are they essential for reaching net zero, and how can social media be a tool for environmental education? Education and Skills: How will education aid us in the fight against climate change? How are we retraining workers for the green economy? What is the UK doing to create a new generation of climate leaders? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Policy What policies and forestry management processes are required to protect our trees and forests, including both traditional and cutting-edge techniques? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Ecology What is the ecological value of trees and forests, and what ecosystem services do they provide? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Biology What is the biological value of trees and forests, what role do photosynthesis and transpiration play, and what are the individual benefits gained from trees? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Climate Diplomacy Case Studies What are some examples of climate conferences, agreements, protocols, and failures to breakdown the different issues and opportunities in the field of climate diplomacy? Climate Diplomacy: What is Climate Diplomacy? Why are international agreements important to help our environment? What makes a convention successful or a failure? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Climate Diplomacy Theory Why is climate diplomacy required and fair, what are the different types of agreement that can be made, and what are the inherent issues with how climate diplomacy happens? Climate Diplomacy: What is Climate Diplomacy? Why are international agreements important to help our environment? What makes a convention successful or a failure? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Challenges What challenges face cross-Whitehall work, how can these challenges be overcome, and why is it so important that they are? All of Government: How does the UK Government collaborate on environmental policy? How can we coordinate different departments on joint goals? What can be done to overcome the challenges of cross-government working? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Collaboration How does the UK Government aim to collaborate on environmental policy, why is it important, and which departments are involved? All of Government: How does the UK Government collaborate on environmental policy? How can we coordinate different departments on joint goals? What can be done to overcome the challenges of cross-government working? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk