Lessons on environment as important as the three Rs, says [warmist] Attenborough | Education | guardian.co.uk

The 84-year-old naturalist said learning about nature should be "on a par" with lessons in maths and English in schools. "As our children's world is changing, our planet is also in increasing peril," Attenborough said.

"Climate change and habitat destruction are problems facing our generation and those of our children. In order to equip the next generation to face these problems, it is crucial that children grow up with an understanding and respect for our planet. Human beings depend on the natural world for everything. We are going to have to make increasing demands on people to care for the natural world."

He said teachers had "enormous power" to influence the thoughts and actions of their pupils.