Published 28 October 2021
Pupils across West Dunbartonshire will participate in a range of learning on tackling the climate emergency to coincide with next month’s COP26 conference in Glasgow.
The United Nations global summit will see world leaders come together for 12 days to discuss next steps in the efforts to address the threat of climate change.
The topic is being embraced across West Dunbartonshire schools and early learning centres, with pupils set to focus on a range of climate and environmental topics to highlight the importance of cutting emissions from burning coal, oil and gas that are collectively heating the planet.
Pupils at Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s are launching an Eco Committee where there will be a strong focus on Climate Action. The pupils are also taking part in a Dragon's Den competition to raise funds to allow the school to develop a whole-school strategy to reducing climate change in the local community.
Children from St Martin’s and St. Mary's Primary School in Alexandria will look at the climate and the impact human actions have on nature and the environment. Pupils will also study waste with a focus on reduce, reuse, recycle and the litter polluting our waters.
Senior pupils from St Martin’s and St Mary’s Primary will focus on displacement of children and how refugees are being supported by governments.
Many schools and Early Learning Centres will also encourage pupils to look at their own carbon footprint, food miles, the climate impact on nature, the environment and different species.
Councillor Karen Conaghan, Convener of Educational services, said: “It is important our children learn from an early age the impact we’re having on our planet. Our schools and Early Learning Centres are highlighting the key things we can all do to help reduce the impact we are having on our planet. Having the conference here in Scotland further highlights how important it is for us all to take action now and if we can get children to put into practice the lessons they learn we will be doing our bit to help a global emergency.”
Councillor Ian Dickson, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “Children and young people will focus on issues including the environment, climate justice and global warming. Educating our young people on the climate emergency is so important and our youngest residents should be fully aware of the facts so they can make sustainable changes and encourage their families to do the same. We need to take action now to slow climate change for future generations.”