The new champion, one of nine across the UK, will help spread the message about the challenge of tackling climate change, as well as what people can do to play their part to reduce emissions. The initiative is part of the Government's 'Act on CO2' campaign which underlines the link between everyday human behaviour and its effect on the environment. It calls for young people aged 11 to 18 to demonstrate how they can encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint. The winners will spend a year 'in office' communicating their ideas and leading their own regional public awareness campaigns.
Joan Ruddock said:
"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing us and it is young people who will be most affected by the decisions we make today. This is why it is essential that we empower them so they can spread the message that tackling climate change is urgent, but that by working together we can make a difference.
"It is fantastic that so many young people feel passionately about the environment and climate change and want to bring about change in others. The winners of this competition will become young ambassadors, playing a high profile role in changing public opinion and behaviour. Last year's champions did a wonderful job. Now we ask for new champions to come forward, enter our competition and take up the climate change challenge."
Winners of the competition will:
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spend a busy year 'in office' communicating how people can reduce their carbon footprints by taking simple and effective action
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take part in a European fact finding expedition to see the effects of climate change and how the issues are tackled by other communities
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meet with senior Government Ministers to share their ideas on the problems we face and ways these issues and their solutions can be communicated to audiences of all ages
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receive £1000 to organise a climate change themed event at their school, college or within their community.
Former climate change champion for the East Midlands, Carri Swann, 16, from Beeston, Nottingham, highly recommended the initiative saying:
"At every stage I've loved my work as a Climate Champion, spending time with professionals, politicians and people from all over the world who share my concerns about climate change. The huge range of opportunities that this initiative has opened up for me -chances to visit Swiss glaciers, ecological conferences, and No. 10 Downing Street - have made the last 18 months some of the most exciting and enlightening of my life."
