Search for young environmentalists

We must never underestimate the passion, stamina and vision of young people. Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old environmentalist campaigner from Sweden, at the age of 15, sat outside the Swedish Parliament buildings in support of action on climate change. This led to her being invited to address the UN delegates in New York regarding the need for governments around the world to start caring for the environment, reducing pollution, in order to leave a better legacy for future generations.

Recently, Greta was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for her environmental and climate change work, along with a one-million-euro prize, which she will be donating to environmental groups around the world.

Local Rotary groups are encouraging all young people between the ages of seven and 17 to get involved in protecting our environment, reducing carbon and becoming more sustainable. In truth, we need more Gretas. In Peterborough, 21 per cent of what we throw away is recyclable, valuable materials that could be reused and not just dumped in landfill sites. We are looking for creative children to submit poems, songs, stories, photographs, videos, and paintings, to enter our local competition where certificates and prizes will be awarded in the various age groups.

This competition is meant to be fun whilst, at the same time, encouraging young people to think and hopefully learn about the environment and how we can sustain and protect it.

The project doesn’t need to be complex, a single idea for improvement would be brilliant. If you find it difficult to put your ideas into words, then consider pictures, photographs or short videos to get your point across.

A few ideas to get you started: The importance of trees on the planet and your views on plants and shrubs, especially those that attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies; thinking about travelling, every journey in a vehicle burning fossil fuel produces greenhouse gasses weighed against the importance and need for transport; the pros and cons of renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro-electric power; the need to reduce food waste; recycling “single use commodities”; the more efficient disposal of refrigerants and the importance of buildings being energy efficient.

Little changes can make a big difference, like using less water, walking instead of driving, using energy-saving light bulbs, picking up litter, etc. Let’s join together to make the world a better place to live.

Rotary has allocated a staggering amount, in excess of $18million, in global grant funding to environment-related projects over the past five years. I am pleased to report that Rotary has added “Supporting the Environment” as a new area of focus.

This will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.

Supporting the environment becomes Rotary’s seventh area of focus. It joins peace building and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

Contact one of our local Rotary clubs for competition details.