Thursday, 15 February 2007

Clever kids are teaching the grown-ups a thing or two in Hebden Bridge.

Calderdale Climate Challenge’s schools advisor, Heather Morgan is touring the Calderdale area visiting primary schools to talk to children about what causes climate change. She has already visited more than 20 schools, including Riverside and Stubbins.

“It’s fantastic to hear the children’s questions,” says Heather, “but it’s even more amazing when they already know what’s causing climate change and what they can do to help stop it. They can certainly teach us grown-ups a thing or two about saving energy and cutting carbon-dioxide emissions!”

Teaching the grown-ups a thing or two about climate change – children at Riverside Junior School in Hebden Bridge chat with Calderdale Climate Challenge schools advisor Heather Morgan. Pictured (left to right) are Ross Midgley, George Fitzpatrick-Morgan, his brother Henry and Euan Bell-Bugler. Kneeling are Job Newhouse, George Stubbs and Indie Clear

In her talk, Heather explains that even though we live in rainy West Yorkshire, climate change isn’t a good thing. It won’t necessarily mean warmer weather, but is already contributing to the freak gales and floods we have been suffering.
    
Heather also talks about the effect in other parts of the world where people are in real danger from rising sea levels, drought or severe weather.

Using a roll of fluffy cotton wool around the globe, Heather illustrates that greenhouse gases, especially carbon-dioxide, are trapping in more and more heat from the sun.
    
“I ask what we can do, and there are always plenty of hands up from children ready to say we should burn less fuel – use the car less, turn off lights, use energy efficient light bulbs and so on.”     

Teaching the grown-ups a thing or two about climate change – children at Riverside Junior School. Pictured are 10-year-old George Fitzpatrick-Morgan, his brother nine-year-old Henry, and Euan Bell-Bugler (10)

Heather would love to see schools setting up eco-clubs, organising climate clever competitions and incorporating energy efficiency into.

“Even something as simple as having monitors to switch off unused lights, turn off taps and close external doors can make a big difference,” she says.
    
Any schools that would like to arrange a visit from Heather can contact schools@calderdaleclimatechallenge.org.uk or get more information at the Calderdale Climate Challenge website www.calderdaleclimatechallenge.org.uk.