Next generation of climate champs take action

Budding young climate leaders came together last month for the Tasmanian Youth Climate Leaders Conference, with more than 200 students attending the event at the University of Tasmania.

Funded by the Tasmanian Government Climate Change Office and led by Sustainable Living Tasmania, the conference has been running since 2017 and aims to connect students, teachers and mentors with positive projects designed to address climate change.

Students learned about climate science from experts before attending workshops with mentors to develop climate change action plans they can initiate in their schools and local communities.

Topics included renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste, slow fashion, biodiversity, food security, sustainable transport, climate resilience and climate justice.

Corpus Christi Catholic School sustainability teacher Luch Brighella attended the conference with a group of the school’s Grade 6 student leaders.

“What a great experience this was for our students learning about climate change, the impact that this is having on our world and most importantly, what we as global citizens can do to live more sustainably,” he said.

“Our young sustainability leaders, with the support of our school principal, will be running a climate action week later this year.

“This will be a wonderful and exciting way to encourage our students, staff and families to do their bit in caring for our common home.”

Students will work on their projects over the coming months, and come together again in September to report back on their progress.

Clarence Climate Action members were involved in the conference as mentors, and have selected the Tasmanian Youth Climate Leaders as this month’s Climate Champions.