A quiet evolution is happening in our local schools. They are turning into Eco Schools. Warblington and Bosmere Schools have been awarded Eco school with distinction this May. Emsworth school has Eco warriors. St. Albans has long been a Wilder school with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife trust and Park Community School has environmental education at its core. This means the young people at these schools are involved in education based eco-action. Environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss or plastic pollution are large global issues and the thought of tackling them can be intimidating. But our schools are tackling just such issues and changing mind sets and behaviours.
We have many challenges ahead. Climate change is causing heatwaves and flooding that are affecting food security all over the world. Animals that were common 50 years ago are now on the edge of extinction. So our schools are engaging students about the changes everyone needs to have a future with secure food, water and climate. The choices we make matter. Climate change is happening. We are on red alert for humanity. Hampshire and IOW wildlife trust have declared a wildlife emergency this May because of the rapid and accelerating loss of local wildlife.
Individual actions may feel as if they are pointless but they drive the decisions of those who pull the levers. Businesses adapt to our behaviour. Driving less and walking more will empower councils to make walking and cycling safer. Using public transport will enable companies to improve their services. Repairing rather than throwing away reduces land fill and pollution from incinerators. Buying Fairtrade products enables those farmers to protect their environment and ultimately our food security. Eating less meat means less destruction of the rainforests. Let the wildflowers grow in gardens and parks will help to save insects and birds.
One person will not make much of a difference but when lots of people join, then it makes all the difference in the world. And it is only fair if we all play our part.