This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Lessons learned on climate change
10/06/2005
Children across Scotland are competing to win their school its very own wind turbine in a national climate change competition.
More than 70 Scottish schools have logged onto the Learning and Teaching Scotland online climate change project 'Our Changing Climate' which has also attracted two international participants from Kuwait and the United States.
Today, Environment Minister Ross Finnie, visited Clydemuir Primary School in Clydebank who presented him with their project work before quizzing him on his views on climate change.
Speaking at the school, Mr Finnie said:
"Climate Change is happening now. It is a reality and nobody can deny that we are starting to see the effects.
"I am encouraged by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the children I have met here today. They are tomorrow's consumers and decision makers and their awareness in tackling climate change will help to protect our planet in the future.
"This primary seven class realise that their individual actions can help in the fight against climate change. The presentation was very impressive and they have constructed some practical solutions to tackling climate change."
During the three-week project participating schools were asked to prepare a report on an imaginary town which has become more prone to flooding as a result of climate change. The children (P7 to S2) involved had to explain what was causing the problem and what the townspeople could do to prepare and adapt.
The children of P7A at Clydemuir Primary presented their work on the project to the Minister, and also asked him some questions about his own views on climate change.
The winners of the competition aspect of the project will be announced on the June 17. First prize for the competition is a small scale wind turbine, which will be installed on the roof of the winning school. The wind turbine provides a saving of 1.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, and can provide up to almost £500 net financial savings per year.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) have agreed to donate and install a Swift Rooftop Wind Energy System to the winning school. The product was developed with Executive support through the award of a SPUR grant. The SSE partnership company, Renewable Devices Swift Turbines, installed five of the systems at a school in Fife last year.
The second prize will be a mini wind turbine and solar panel for children to set up themselves, and the third prize will be an 'Energy Chest' which allows children to learn and experiment with energy and climate change related materials. All schools that submit an entry will receive a copy of the 'Earth from the Air' book of aerial photography as a token of our appreciation for all the hard work put in to the project.
Learning and Teaching Scotland is the national organisation responsible for supporting educational developments in Scottish schools. 'Our Changing Climate' is one of a series of online, interactive events developed and managed by LT Scotland for schools.