Schools and their central role in the climate change challenge was the topic of discussion at a conference attended by Minister for Education Jane Hutt today.
The "Climate Change, Schools and the Future" Conference, was held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School in Tredegar Park, Newport, one of Wales’ Eco-schools. Teachers, planners, architects and other local education authority representatives attended the event to hear the Minister’s keynote speech.
The Minister discussed the importance of schools and the part they play in developing sustainable communities. The Welsh Assembly Government has made a One Wales commitment of a three per cent reduction in carbon emissions per year from 2011, and believes that schools, as the centre of those communities are vital to inspire change in behaviour.
Speaking at the event, the Jane Hutt said:
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most challenging issues facing the world today. Schools, as places where future generations learn and grow, have a hugely important role to play – not just in the physical sense – buildings designed with zero carbon aspirations in mind – but as a place to burgeon a culture of enthusiasm for significant change.
Six young people from across Wales have been trying to do just that over the last year. The Welsh Assembly Government appointed six teenagers as Climate Change Champions. The champions have been communicating to their friends, families and communities through their schools how best to tackle environmental issues.
The Education Minister added:
As a government we are assisting learning providers across the country on how best to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint, but it is not just the knowledge we need to gain, but the desire to do something about it. Schools, and the young people attending them are ideally placed within our communities to do just that, to educate about positive actions and encourage good habits at a crucial early stage. They are after all the future, and it is the young people of today who will have to live with the consequences of our unsustainable lives.
We are grateful for the work that the Climate Change Champions have done to highlight these important issues over their year in office, and we look forward to launching the new Climate Change Champions competition very soon.