Students from five Hull secondary schools took part in exploratory workshops earlier this week that will empower them to identify ways they – and their friends, families and schools – can reduce their carbon footprints.
The Climate Changemakers programme was developed by Oh Yes! Net Zero, the community of over 180 Hull and Humber-based organisations committed to taking action to achieve net zero.
Established by founding partners Reckitt, Hull City Council, Future Humber and the University of Hull, Oh Yes! Net Zero supports members to reduce their carbon emissions through expert advice, activities and opportunities to collaborate.
As part of the Climate Changemakers programme, more than 50 students from across the city attended the half-day workshops at the University of Hull to work with university researchers and brainstorm the simple things they can do every day to cut their own carbon footprints, as well as the measures their schools can take.
One of the Malet Lambert students who attended a workshop said: “I found the day extremely useful.
“I’m planning to speak to my head teacher about what I learned and the new things I think we can introduce alongside the good work already happening in our school. I’d like us to do as many of the ideas we came up with as possible.”
Melissa Rackham, community engagement manager for Oh Yes! Net Zero, said: “The workshops were designed to equip students with the knowledge they need to take personal action towards tackling climate change, as well as to change policy and inspire hope for the future.
“They made the most of the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas, and, later in the programme, will put what they’ve learned into practice to help their schools become more environmentally sustainable.”
The ideas from the workshops will also feed into an ongoing University of Hull project which brings together academics, policymakers and young people to develop an action plan for a climate resilient and net zero Hull.
Yvonne Briggs, head of education standards and partnerships at Hull City Council, said: “This is a great example of schools and other local organisations working together to support young people in their learning, while also contributing to the vital goal of reducing carbon emissions in our region.
“Collaboration is crucial to achieving the council’s aim for Hull to become net zero by 2040 and I’m delighted that our schools are taking part in this innovative programme.”
The schools taking part in the Climate Changemakers programme are Sirius West Academy, Malet Lambert, Newland School for Girls, The Marvell College and Kelvin Hall School.
Organisations and businesses, as well as individuals, can join Oh Yes! Net Zero free of charge or find out more at www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk.