The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has today removed controversial references to “positive” effects of climate change from geography course notes.
The SQA has updated the National 5 geography guidance, which appeared in the support notes of the course specification for National 5 geography.
The issue was first flagged up by Tes Scotland in 2019, when we reported concerns that students were being fed “misinformation” by a Scottish textbook that highlighted the “positive effects of climate change”.
Similar concerns have been raised again by other media outlets in recent weeks.
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Today’s changes, the SQA said, also mean that students will no longer be encouraged to give “equal consideration” to the environmental and economic impacts of climate change, although “learners will still be required to use their critical thinking to look at the short- and long-term impacts in different parts of the world”.
SQA acts over reference to the ‘positives’ of climate change
The SQA said it had “worked with experienced geography teachers to ensure the new wording - which can be viewed here - is clear and appropriate”.
A review of geography course specifications in other qualifications has also been carried out, the SQA said, which “has confirmed that references to benefits of climate change are not included elsewhere”.
Lesley Joyce, head of humanities, care and services qualifications at the SQA, said: “We recognise the importance of ensuring learners are presented with up-to-date references to climate change to reflect the emergency we are facing, particularly as Scotland prepares to welcome the world to COP26 in Glasgow.
“Course content was devised a number of years ago, during which time views on climate change have evolved. In this instance, wording in the course support notes was open to misinterpretation, so we have worked with the teaching profession to ensure the National 5 wording is appropriate for today’s learners.”
Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens’ education spokesperson, welcomed the changes.
“The climate crisis is already here and it is killing people across the planet, so I’m pleased this absurd course specification will finally be removed,” he said.
“Young people are leading the fight to tackle this crisis, whether by striking from school, forcing corporations to move away from fossil fuels or campaigning against politicians who refuse to act.
“They don’t need the devastating effects of climate breakdown to be hidden from them.”
Mr Greer added: “What they are calling out for instead is to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they will need to stop this catastrophe.
“Or, preferably, for today’s leaders to face up to their responsibilities and take the action needed now.”
