Young people of Merthyr Tydfil proudly launch Climate Charter: 10 promises to help our planet

The children and young people of Merthyr Tydfil have made their voices heard with the launch of the Merthyr Tydfil Schools’ Climate Charter.

At a student conference held last July, schoolchildren from years four to 10 shared their ideas and suggestions about what schools could do to support the world-wide climate crisis.

Through a range of workshops with local organisations, charities and businesses, the students were challenged to identify ten commitments that would allow them to play their part in addressing this serious issue.

In line with Curriculum for Wales, they rose to the challenge of thinking like ethically informed citizens, making positive choices to help save our world.

The Climate Charter consists of 10 commitments covering a range of sustainability topics. These calls to action are;
- Keep learning                     
- Reduce plastic      
- Grow plants and food
- Reduce energy
- Encourage biodiversity 
- Be a leader  
- Work with the community 
- Choose sustainable transport
- Link with other schools
- Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

The Charter will empower schools, their students and their communities to have a choice and plan their part in climate action. Schools can commit to action in the smallest of ways. As a result of their engagement, they will achieve incredible outcomes, leading to the creation of a clean and green Merthyr Tydfil and a brighter future for their world.

Councillor Michelle Symonds, Climate Change Champion said:
“The children and young people of Merthyr Tydfil are leading the way and their work will contribute to this world problem. The 10 commitments may only appear to be small steps but if everyone in our school communities pledge their support and turn this into action, together we can make a great difference. I look forward to hearing more about the work of our schools and communities.”

Coed Y Dderwen Primary School have been instrumental during the development stages of the charter. They wanted to ensure the language was clear and that everyone could easily understand and contribute. Cyfarthfa High School also contributed by sharing their thoughts and perspectives.

Other schools who showcased their work at the student conference were Troedyrhiw Primary School, who shared the eco App they had developed. BCA St Mary’s Campus also shared the car they had designed as part of the Welsh Valleys Engineering Scheme. Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum hosted a workshop, helping the children and young people to think about their responsibilities. The feedback they gave helped shape the outcome. Thank you to everyone involved.

The Schools Climate Charter is a call to action. We can all act. We can all make a difference.