22 schools get ready to shout about climate change

The activity programme will give pupils a chance to put their own ideas for reducing the UK’s carbon footprint down on paper by drafting an alternative Climate Change Law. Over 1,800 schools and youth projects from across the UK have signed up for the packs, which tackle the hottest issue facing this generation and explore how laws are made in a fun and engaging way.

Case studies

Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School

• Pupils will have the opportunity to calculate their carbon footprint using a website (climate challenge govt website) and then they are going to create a class charter of achievable steps all members of the class can take to combat climate change. Each member of the class will sign the charter which lists the agreed action steps.
• They will also be hosting a workshop run by Action Renewables at the end of the month to explore renewable energy options for N. Ireland through a decision making exercise.

St Catherine’s College, Armagh

• Pupils will be planting trees for every class in year nine in conjunction with the Ulster Wildlife Trust
• Action Renewables will be visiting the school at the end of the month to talk about wind power.

‘Shout about…’ activity week

Friends of the Earth’s annual ‘Shout about…’ activity week offers teachers and youth leaders a fun and engaging way of exploring environmental issues. The resource, designed for use with young people aged 11 to 13, contains easy to use information and is packed with lesson plans designed to bring the issues to life within the classroom.

This year the activity pack will look at solutions to climate change and explore how laws are made by focusing on the Government’s proposed new Climate Change Bill. It is linked to the National Curriculum in the areas of science, maths, English, geography, citizenship and beyond.

Vicki Felgate, Friends of the Earth’s youth and education coordinator:

Climate Change Bill

The Government’s forthcoming Climate Change Bill will commit the UK to reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. MPs will debate the Bill during November and December.

Friends of the Earth is calling on MPs to insist that the Climate Change Bill sets annual targets to reduce emissions by 3 per cent every year and includes emissions from aviation, which are currently excluded.

More information

Friends of the Earths ‘Shout about’ schools programme is in its 4th year. Last year 1,800 schools and youth groups from across the country took part. For more information contact Friends of the Earth on 028 9089 7592.