A climate emergency has been declared by 15 schools in Bath and North East Somerset. The schools are Oldfield Park Infant School, Oldfield Park Junior School, St Philips CofE School, St Martin’s Garden Primary School, Combe Down CofE School, Ralph Allen, Winsley Primary School, Fitzmaurice Primary School, Widcombe Junior and Primary Schools, Palladian Academy Trust, Kingswood School, St Stephen’s School and Freshford School, with Bathampton Primary School declaring ‘climate action’.
Declaring a climate emergency means signing a pledge to put climate at the heart of everything your organisation does.
The schools have been supported in their declarations by the Schools Climate Network, which was founded in Bath and North East Somerset last year. The SCN aims to encourage and support all schools to respond to the climate emergency. It offers training sessions for teachers, practical advice on reducing environmental impact and a place for decision makers to share ideas and best practice.
The first step in many local schools has involved the Governing Body voting on a declaration of climate emergency, often using the example declaration provided by the Network.
Alice Boden, one of the founders of the Schools Climate Network, said, “Our children have had a tough six months, and it’s great to see them back at school. However, children and young people are facing an uncertain future as the planet heats up and carbon dioxide levels continue to rise.”
Another founder, Councillor Tom Davies, added, “15 local schools – primary and secondary schools from both the state and independent sectors – have declared a climate emergency so far. This is really fantastic news and we hope that the momentum will continue to grow.”
Jo Marsh from the Palladian Academy Trust, who has also been with the Network from the very start, commented, “Schools are doing brilliantly, opening their doors and welcoming children back this term. The last few months have given us all a chance to pause and see what is important. We want schools to join us in declaring a climate emergency through a simple vote at a governors’ meeting. Instead of asking ourselves why, we need to ask ourselves why not?”
Declaring a climate emergency is the start of a journey, and the Schools Climate Network aims to grow a supportive and dynamic community around schools to help them on their way. Events planned include seminars on green energy and training for teachers.
Schools around the country will be participating in an upcoming online Youth Climate Summit in November. The Schools Climate Network is encouraging all schools to get involved in this week-long festival of themed discussions and activities. For more information, click here
Photo by Sarah Skeels