Pupils aim to raise awareness of climate change
P6 pupils at Law Primary School, North Berwick recently held a social enterprise event to highlight awareness of climate change. They set up a number of stalls which provided information on a range of subjects including recycling, wildflowers cultivation, the importance of bees and active travel.
Class teacher, Mrs Morgan, explained: “The class has been learning about environmental studies but it was clear that many of the pupils were not just aware of the challenges of climate change but wanted to get involved and help raise awareness. The social enterprise event provided an opportunity for them to produce a range of materials and displays on aspects of climate change. They invited parents and other local residents to come along and were delighted that Cllr Norman Hampshire, Cabinet Member for Environment accepted their invitation to attend.”
Cllr Hampshire, said: “East Lothian Council currently has its draft Climate Change strategy open for consultation so it was particularly good timing that Law Primary pupils arranged this event. It’s very important that awareness of the diverse challenges posed by climate change is raised and discussed as this helps us all to consider how best we can mitigate its effects. It was both encouraging and inspiring to meet the pupils and to hear their very informed views on key factors driving climate change. Their enthusiasm and commitment bodes well for the future.”
The pupils sent a number of questions to East Lothian Council asking for information which they shared at their event. Their questions included: What are the council’s plans to encourage more electric cars in East Lothian? Where are the electric charging points in East Lothian? What are your plans to reduce waste in schools?
Cllr Hampshire added: “It’s clear that young people have considerable awareness and interest in climate change and a number of events are planned for later in the year to engage more fully with them. A guide to the draft Climate Change strategy specifically for young people has been added to the consultation page as well as a short survey form for children and young people to let us know what they think are the most important things we should be doing here in East Lothian to tackle climate change.”
The survey form and guide can be found on the Climate Change consultation page at https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/policy-partnerships/climate-change-strategy/