The MP for Twickenham has launched a petition calling for climate change to be taught as a standalone subject in schools.

Munira Wilson MP's petition, Green Education for a Brighter Future, aims to see environmental issues given a larger role in the curriculum rather than being incorporated into science and geography lessons.

Her campaign launch comes as world leaders gather for the first day of the G7 summit in Cornwall, with the aim to 'build back better from coronavirus and create a greener, more prosperous future'.

She said: "Global warming is an inescapable fact that young people will be faced with in their immediate future.

"Students need to be aware of what causes climate issues, what we can do to mitigate them, and how this will impact their future lifestyles and careers.

"The way children are currently taught about climate change is not comprehensive enough.

"Schools must dedicate time to educate children and young people about these factors.

"Equipped with this knowledge, students will have a fighting chance at a sustainable future.

advertisement

"It's important that as a community, we show how strongly we feel about this and I hope that this petition will encourage the government to make climate change a standalone subject in the school curriculum."