Taking Action on Climate Change

Young people from across South Tyneside are taking part in a week of action to highlight the challenges around climate change.

Next week will see a range of activities happening in classrooms across the Borough as part of a Climate Change Week of Action.

Members of the Young People's Parliament (YPP) have produced a number of resources for school which explain issues ranging from the Greenhouse Effect to recycling. Young people will be encouraged to discuss the positive and negative effects Covid-19 has had on the environment and even make their own climate change short film. Schools will be encouraged to promote sustainable shopping by hosting uniform swap shops, organise zero-waste meals and even create a school band using recycled instruments.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Members of the Young People's Parliament have come up with some great ideas to encourage their peers to do their bit for the planet.

"The pandemic has seen increasing numbers of people recognise that human wealth depends on the wellbeing of the planet and it is fantastic to see the Young People's Parliament championing these issues and raising awareness at a local level."

More than 2,000 young people voted for climate change to be this year's campaign for the YPP, showing incredible strength of feeling.

The work of the YPP reflects one of the Council's priorities to invest in the natural environment.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "The Council is committed to taking action on climate change with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2030.

"However, climate change is an issue which affects each and every one of us so it is reassuring to see our young people raising awareness of this issue. We must all work together if we are to achieve our common goal of carbon neutrality and they are to be applauded for their efforts."

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/70003/Climate-change-campaign-Young-People-s-Parliament