13/10/08
Minister launches search for Climate Change Champions 2009 at Barry school
The search for six outstanding young people to become ‘Climate Change
Champions' has been launched today by the Environment, Sustainability
and Housing Minister Jane Davidson.
The Minister launched the search with help from green teens at Ysgol
Bro Morgannwg in Barry, who are aiming to be among the first in the
Vale of Glamorgan to enter the competition.
The Welsh Assembly Government is urging young people across the country
to follow Bro Morgannwg's lead by entering its competition and
persuading friends, families and communities to do their bit to tackle
climate change.
On meeting the school's young people the Minister said:
"The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to tackling climate
change. We owe it to future generations to do all we can to educate
people about the benefits of making small changes to our lifestyles to
help combat climate change".
"The pupils of Ysgol Bro Morgannwg are a great example to young people
across Wales. Young people have a vital role to play as champions
amongst their peer groups and in their own families and communities. I
very much look forward to seeing the ideas put forward by prospective
Climate Change Champions and look forward to working closely with the
final six once they are selected."
Ysgol Bro Morgannwg is a member of the ‘eco-school' scheme which
recognises environmental practices in schools. Keen pupils are setting
up an eco-committee to develop their green schemes and hope to have a
further positive impact on the way the school uses water, electricity,
heating and transport.
The pupils have their fingers crossed that one of them will secure one of the prestigious ‘Climate Change Champion' roles.
To enter the competition, pupils have been thinking about putting
together entries demonstrating how they would encourage their friends,
family, school or community to take small steps to reduce their carbon
footprint. Entries can take pretty much any creative format, for
example a newspaper article, web pages, or a TV or radio presentation.
The chosen Climate Change Champions will spend a year ‘in office'
spreading the word about how people can take simple, effective actions
to reduce their carbon footprint focusing on energy, water and
transport use.
Once selected, they will have a busy schedule including taking part in
a European fact-finding expedition to see what is being done to reduce
carbon emissions in other countries. They will also have the
opportunity to attend events throughout Wales to communicate to people
the positive actions they can take in their everyday lives to help
tackle climate change.
Headteacher Dr Dylan Jones said:
"The ‘Climate Change Champions' competition is a fantastic opportunity
for pupils to build on the work we are already doing to promote
environmental awareness. We will be encouraging all pupils to enter and
hope that one of the final six will come from Bro Morgannwg."
The competition is open to any young person in Wales aged between 11 and 18 years, including those at secondary school and college. The deadline for entries is 28 November 2008. For information or to enter online please log onto www.walescarbonfootprint.gov.uk
ENDS
Media enquiries to Daniel Tyte or Sara Robinson at Working Word Public
Relations on 02920 488 778. Email daniel.tyte@workingwordpr.com/
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