Young people in Bristol taking up the ‘Climate Challenge’

School and college students in Bristol are working together with environmental organisations on ‘Climate Challenge’ projects to help reduce carbon emissions and protect wildlife.

Students developed ideas to undertake in school including installation of smart meters to measure energy usage, living walls with vertical gardening and the reuse of waste to produce wildlife habitats.

The projects will be showcased on Wednesday 9 October at the University of the West of England, to launch the new Bristol Education Partnership (BEP). Guest speakers include Doug Allan from BBC Blue Planet, OVO Energy and Bristol Youth Mayors.

Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “At a city level the council is working independently and with partners to reduce carbon emissions, generate cleaner energy and improve air quality. This project demonstrates that whilst there is significant action being taken, tackling climate change is not all about the headline actions. Education and participation are equally as important and it’s great to see Bristol schools taking these opportunities to engage with this global issue.

“We see across the country that younger generations are developing a strong and passionate voice in the conversation about climate emergency.  These ‘Climate Challenge’ projects take this a step further by engaging young people and creating practical solutions that schools and communities can utilise to be climate friendly. I hope they inspire individuals and organisations to do the same.

“Bristol has declared a climate emergency and is responding with action – we all have a part to play in helping our city become carbon neutral by 2030.”

Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation said: “We’re delighted to be funding the Climate Challenge event and working with local young people to design and deliver environmental projects. We’re looking forward to seeing their progress over the next year as we all do our bit to address the climate crisis.”

The Soil Association, Sustrans, Avon Wildlife Trust, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Action for Conservation, Resource Futures and Geneco supported students with their projects in a workshop held at M Shed on Monday 30 September.

Adeel, a student at Fairfield School attended the workshop, said: “I enjoyed meeting new students from other schools and hearing their views and ideas on the environment. I can’t wait for the launch, to see what projects other schools have come up with.”

This is the first project of the BEP, a collaborative arrangement between education providers and Bristol City Council. The partnership forms part of Bristol Learning City and is committed to working together to overcome disadvantage, raise aspirations, broaden education and support teachers.