News
Welsh climate change 'champions' start term in office
25 January 2010
Six school students have been unveiled as climate change "champions" to raise awareness in Wales over the next year.
The six, including three from Gwynedd, were chosen after pitching their own ideas for projects to encourage people to be "greener".
Projects include a documentary on the effects and solutions of climate change, a schools competition and planting 100,000 trees.
The Welsh Assembly Government first launched the competition in 2008.
All those chosen will spend a year "in office" working on their own projects whilst also participating in the Assembly Government's climate change commission, meeting politicians and environmental experts.
Huda Zahid, 17, from Bangor, who will work on a documentary about climate change effects and solutions, said it one of the most important issues of our time.
"If affects all of us every day in various ways, especially in the poorest countries in the world," she said.
The sixth form pupil - who is studying biology, chemistry, history and maths with a view to becoming a dentist - said she wanted to be involved in the project so that her actions would have a "positive impact" on climate change.
She said she intended to spread the message that "small steps" taken, both in school and at home, could make a difference.
The documentary would show how "turning off switches and the computer" could all add up and her message will include encouraging people to "cycle and walk to places instead of using the car".
Success would be measured by an increase in the number of pupils attending her school's eco-group at Ysgol Friars, in Bangor, she added.
Environment minister Jane Davidson said the standard of this year's entries was very high, and the winners outstanding.
"Young people play a vital role in sharing the climate change message with their friends, relatives and local communities," she said.
"They inspire people to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint and I look forward to working with them over the year ahead," she added.
For more information please visit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8474329.stm
