Pupils put climate change at heart of their lessons
Jul 4 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
SCHOOLS from across the region celebrated their climate change achievements yesterday.
Last year, 80 North East schools signed up to a pioneering scheme to put climate change at the heart of classroom learning.
The region’s Climate Change Lead Schools Network, the first of its kind in the UK, was launched at the Science Learning Centre North East, which is part of Durham University.
Yesterday, at the centre, the schools staged a Celebration Day to showcase how they have brought climate change and green issues to life for both pupils and their communities.
They are paving the way for what is hoped will become a national programme of positive climate change education and action, led by the North East.
Over 30 young people gave presentations yesterday, highlighting their projects which have ranged from global warming musicals, making ice cores and organising community eco-walks to energy audits which have saved schools thousands of pounds.
Dr Krista McKinzey, Climate Change Schools project officer, said: “It’s crucial that our young people realise that the future is not set in stone – that we can do something positive about it. It is about developing awareness of climate change and how we can tackle it and adapt to it.
“It is these young ambassadors who will change the world and help make our planet a more sustainable one. We want the North East to become the hub for excellence in climate change teaching, learning and positive action.”
Speakers at the Celebration Day include Fiona Hall, MEP for the North East, Mick Henry, chairman of the Association of North East Councils and Jonathan Blackie, regional director of Government Office North East.
Coun Henry said: “The project has led to young people spreading their messages within their own homes and neighbourhoods.
“We recognise that the region’s young people can make a positive contribution to tackling the global challenge of climate change by exercising strong leadership and in helping create behavioural change amongst citizens and their communities, now and in the future.”
Mr Blackie said: “This project, the first of its kind in the country, is making change happen in the North East and showing other places how to do it.
“Young people are our future, for it is they who will have to implement the lasting solutions we need to beat climate change, and live with the unavoidable effects already locked in.”
