Schools across the South Dublin County Council area should use a new online resource to empower students to combat climate change, according to Minister Katherine Zappone. The Minister is encouraging all primary and secondary schools to use the resource to get students involved in concrete steps which can make a difference. Zappone says schools were in the frontline of changing recycling habits in Templeogue, Tallaght, Citywest and surrounding communities – now a new generation can do the same in taking climate action.
Minister Zappone added: “Our young people are drivers of change. Through the Green Flag initiative they learned the benefits of recycling in the classroom and school-yard and brought those welcome habits to the wider community. It is right that once again we should look to our young people and our schools to be drivers of change and ensure local practical steps are taken to combat climate change. The new online resource developed by Government equips teachers with exciting ways to encourage students to examine the impact our local behaviour in South and West Dublin can impact not just on our own weather – but literally on people right across the globe. The aim is to bring climate action into the classroom and make it a topic not only in Geography lessons but also in subjects ranging from English, civics to politics”.
Available at www.greenschoolsireland.org the pack offers lesson plans; presentations; surveys and data, to learn and discuss, what is the biggest issue of our time.
The Minister concluded “I know from visiting schools rights across Dublin South West that our pupils and students are passionate about protecting the environment and are worried about the impact severe weather events might have on their lives. Now we are providing their teachers with practical steps and tools to encourage action.”
