We are educators and business leaders connected to our communities, international partners, and thousands of students. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to reduce emissions and inspire action among students, colleagues, and communities.
The Role of Language Teaching in Climate Action
Global warming is driving disastrous climate change. The UK ELT industry, like others, contributes to climate change, is affected by it, and has a duty to respond. By adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce emissions, show leadership and help shape a better future.
As educators, we have a unique opportunity. We can raise awareness and empower students worldwide with the language and skills they need to address the challenges of the future.
The language teaching industry has vast community connections, from homestay hosts and printers to caterers, travel companies, and study abroad agents. Our reach is considerable, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Why should language schools and industry partners take climate action?
Our international sector can drive change
The climate crisis can feel overwhelming, with its massive scale and lack of government action. But we can make a difference.
• Individual changes are a great start.
• Transforming our professions and organizations is even better.
• Collective action across the language education sector is invaluable.
We can:
• Cut emissions from heating, transport, food, and energy.
• Engage and empower hundreds of thousands of students, reaching their families and communities.
• Shift norms in our sector and language education as a whole.
• Influence partners and colleagues globally.
• Support local and national climate projects.
Throughout history, collective action has transformed society—winning rights, ending injustice, and driving change. Together, we can create a greener, fairer, and safer world for everyone.
And taking action doesn’t just make an impact—it feels good. It offers hope for us, our businesses, and our planet. Let’s act for a better future.
For a better learning experience
Sustainability impacts every part of our lives, and incorporating it into lessons enriches learning.
Including emissions in transport chapters, dyes and waste in clothing sections, or water use in food modules not only addresses current issues but also boosts students’ vocabulary, conversational skills, and critical thinking.
“Sustainability allows us to address issues increasingly impacting our students’ lives. Empowering learners to join the international sustainability dialogue helps them become part of the solution,” says Owain Llewellyn.
If you’re worried about imposing topics, remember—teaching ‘as usual’ isn’t neutral. Ignoring our impact on the world reinforces harmful habits. As a skilled teacher, you won’t preach about sustainability—just as you don’t about grammar!
Learners value green credentials
Research by Times Higher Education shows potential students rank sustainability and green reputation as highly as employment prospects – and above location – when choosing a school to learn at.
Embracing environmental responsibility not only helps the planet but also attracts students and staff, as concern for climate change grows. People are choosing greener, more ethical options, and students seeking to study English in the UK will favour schools that take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
With increasing awareness, students and staff will quickly spot greenwashing. Businesses that fail to show genuine green credentials risk falling behind those that do.
Our sector’s role in climate change
Every business impacts the environment, and international education is no exception.
In the UK, English language centers welcome half a million students annually, most arriving by air. Once here, students need accommodation, classrooms, meals, materials, and excursions. Our staff require offices, equipment, and international travel to build relationships and secure business.
While larger industries contribute more, addressing the climate crisis isn’t just about individuals or small businesses – it’s about everyone playing their part.
The UK ELT sector alone can’t solve the crisis, but change isn’t possible without collective effort. By acting now, we can contribute to saving our planet – and even take a leading role.
The biggest changes must come from wealthy countries
The planet’s biggest strain comes not from population size but from consumption levels. Wealthy countries, like the UK and much of Europe, have resource-intensive lifestyles.
The richest 1% have a carbon footprint twice as large as the poorest 50% combined, and the wealthiest 20% cause 90% of the carbon overshoot that pushes global warming beyond safe limits.
To put this into perspective:
• Earning over £13,250 a year places you in the richest 10% globally.
• In the UK, about 30% earn less than this, while a salary of £39,800 puts you in the UK’s top 10%.
The disparity in wealth—and contribution to global warming—between rich and poor nations is vast. For climate action to be fair and effective, wealthy nations must lead the way. As one of the richest and most carbon-intensive countries, the UK has a responsibility to significantly cut emissions.
Climate change is already here
The UK is already being impacted by climate change, everywhere is.
If we or our loved ones want to avoid increasingly extreme storms, drought and flooding, food shortages and the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes and tics, we need to change our path.
We can see what lies in store if we do nothing.