Awareness campaign will encourage students to tackle climate change
The awareness campaign organised by the European Commission will encourage Irish youngsters to take simple steps like recycling, turning down the heating at home and switching off appliances like televisions, computers and games consoles.
Along with millions of children across the EU, they will be learning many of these energy-saving tips through information tools and other materials online, where they also being invited to make a personal pledge to combat climate change.
“The reality is that climate change is already happening and today’s children will be the generation which is most affected by this,” said Martin Territt, director of the commission representation in Ireland.
“It’s vital that they are informed about what’s happening and how their own actions can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Just small changes to our behaviour, such as switching off the TV rather than leaving it on standby, can make a big difference,” he said.
The campaign website — www.climatechange.eu.com — has a special section for teachers and students, including brochures, podcasts, short films, useful links and contests.
It features a carbon calculator showing the amount of emissions reductions we could each bring about by changing some of our habits, and downloads on how to improve the energy efficiency of computers.
Other handy tips include plugging out mobile phone chargers when not in use as they will continue to drain electricity. It’s estimated that 95% of the energy is wasted when the charger is left plugged in all the time.
It is also suggested pots should be covered while cooking food to save a lot of the energy needed or, better again, use pressure cookers or steamers and save 70% of the required cooking energy.
The website will also host an exhibition area where students are encouraged to share creative expressions of the climate change challenge — in the form of artwork, videos or songs — with their peers across Europe.
The schools programme marks a second phase in the Commission’s “You control climate change” public awareness campaign launched in May, and will be supported by television, press and internet advertising.
