“They need to listen to us, if they don’t listen, it will be their fault. We need them to take action, otherwise it will be a lie and how will this look? If you don’t do anything, there might not be anything left. The more we protect our planet, the better the earth will be.” – Ariel, aged 8, budding explorer.
“I would tell the leaders, and the new President Donald Trump, that climate change is real and it’s happening now.” – Xavier, aged 11, aspiring Zoology University student.
Primary school students from Cranham Church of England Primary School and Ampney Crucis Church of England Primary School have called on governments across the world to stop delaying giant steps required to tackle carbon emissions.
Their calls came on the eve of COP29, and after the recent completion of decarbonisation heating projects at their schools, in a bid to slash their carbon footprint.
Under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which awarded £220k to the Diocese of Gloucester, the two schools have had new air source heat pumps and a new internal heating system installed.
Laura Hodges, Senior Teacher at Cranham Primary School, Cranham, explained: “The project has encouraged lively conversation among the children about their carbon footprint.
“Everyone is delighted with the heating system. The project echoes one of the school slogans, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’.”
Staff at Ampney Crucis Primary school. Photo: Salix Finance
Tana Wood, Headteacher at Ampney Crucis Primary School in Cirencester, said: “We are a small school with big ideas, and climate change is a big part of our discussion here.
“We are very much a family, and our community is important to us. The work we have done here has inspired everyone from the children to our team and parents. Everyone is curious to know what we have achieved and how we can change our world, creating a better future for the generations to come.”
The Public Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and is delivered by Salix. Salix is a company which supports the UK government in driving the transition to a low carbon future, and helps them to meet challenging net zero targets.
The school’s new heating technology means that the buildings are now more energy efficient, and are more comfortable to study in.
Laura said: “We didn’t know what to expect when we embarked on our journey, but it has been very straightforward, and we had the support of Salix and our consultants who helped us process and finish on time.
“It used to be said, ‘Come to Cranham, wear a vest’ but the classrooms are much more comfortable now and we can control the temperatures more easily. The children can now concentrate on the job of learning; they are not too hot and they are not too cold.”
The diocese also contributed further funds to the project. David Williams, Principal Advisor for Buildings, Admissions and Trusts, Diocese of Gloucester, said: “We have a responsibility to protect our environment and put these buildings in a better position. This is not only for the children today, but it is for the generations to come. This is the right thing to do.
“The children are a big part of these projects and we are delighted that it has inspired them. They have set an example. The voices of our children are an important part of this conversation; they are the voices of the future.”
“We are ready to make a difference, we must tell our leaders this is a beautiful place.” – Jasmine, aged 10, aspiring artist and writer.
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