Climate Challenge embraced by students

STUDENTS haven taken climate action into their own hands by reducing carbon emissions at Torquay’s Lisieux Catholic Primary School, and Corangamite MP Libby Coker has taken note.

Ms Coker visited the school and viewed students’ work which aimed to reduce the school’s carbon footprint as part of the Corangamite Schools Climate Challenge.

The students employed many tactics to reduce their emissions by calculating data related to food wastage and energy usage.

The students also actively turned lights off and collected compost over the duration of their project.

The federal MP started the challenge on May 17 to raise awareness about the importance of reducing emissions, educating schools on how to reduce emissions and encouraging new habits that will have a positive impact on the environment.

The primary and secondary school with the highest amount of carbon dioxide reduced and demonstrating the most effort will be deemed the winners of the Corangamite Schools Climate Challenge, with each receiving a $1,000 cash prize.

“It is just great to see young people so committed to reducing emissions,” Ms Coker said.

“Whether it is just turning off heaters, turning off lights, or composting and taking calculations, it can be significant, and we are seeing significant reductions in emissions from all schools.”

Lisieux Catholic Primary School teacher Ron Dando ran Lisieux’s Corangamite Schools Climate Challenge project as an elective last term and was pleased with students’ carbon reduction initiatives.

“It’s been really positive because I think for the kids there is a purpose and them seeing the reasons for why we are doing these things to help the environment and the people that live here, is really good,” Mr Dando said.

Principal Dr Susan Ryan highlighted the sense of connection the school encouraged between its pupils and their surroundings, providing for more meaning and a longer lasting effect.

“What we see from research is it does not work just to teach kids about being responsible contributors to society,” Dr Ryan said.

“It comes first from their sense of connection and love with the environment, and we really try and foster that here.”

Most of the submissions for the Corangamite Schools Climate Challenge have been received, with the exception of a couple of schools, but Ms Coker said she is determined to educate people, particularly young people, on how to combat climate change.

“I think the time has come to take it to the people, and young people of the future who I know care greatly about climate action, so this project gives them a catalyst for change and I think that is really important,” she said.

Ms Coker hopes more schools will participate in the Schools Climate Challenge in 2022, creating more projects and more positive outcomes for the environment next year.