EkoSkola Malta

Supertroupers – Climate Comics – The Grandiloquents

Have you heard of the Supertroupers? It’s a comic series created by the Association Stimuli, the Office for Climate Education, and other organizations as part of the European project ECOSCOMICS, offers an innovative and accessible way to address climate issues in the classroom. Through a blend of immersive storytelling, practical experiments, and scientific pedagogy, it helps enhance students’ critical thinking and understanding of various scientific topics. Why read this comic with your students? Debunk climate misconceptions: Despite a strong scientific consensus, a significant portion of the population still doubts the human origins of global warming. This episode helps students grasp the physical foundations of the phenomenon and provides them with the tools to respond to common falsehoods with well-founded arguments. Explore simple, classroom-replicable experiments: Through the depiction of practical activities, students learn how greenhouse gases like CO₂ interact with infrared radiation and the connection between these interactions and rising global temperatures. Rely on a rigorous pedagogical approach: Developed in collaboration with researchers in science education, this episode is based on studies identifying key challenges students face when understanding the Earth’s radiative balance and the greenhouse effect. Enjoy using it with your students or at home. It is sure to generate a lot of discussion. In this episode of the comic series The Grandiloquents, the characters find themselves at the heart of a climate protest. Their opinions diverge: one character raises the possibility of a natural origin for climate change. To address this complex question, they turn to a physicist at the protest, who invites them to her laboratory to conduct scientific experiments. These experiments, which they later present in a street performance, help illustrate key concepts such as: Infrared radiation The influence of CO₂ on this radiation The Earth’s radiative balance By offering a clear and educational representation of these phenomena, this episode engages students in scientific exploration while debunking common misconceptions about the causes of climate change.

Be a climate hero!

Climate change continues to be a big issue in the news this year. Among the games offered in the European Learning Corner, we invite you to discover the “Be a climate hero” quiz. The game seeks to inform people of all ages on this important topic in a fun and accessible way. It is now also available in a version for children up to 12 years of age and for grown-ups. Test your and your pupil’s knowledge and see what you or they can learn in this fun and accessible quiz!  

Our daily choices – It’s up to you! 2050

Our choices shape our future. Simple daily choices such as what we eat or how we move can affect our health and that of our planet. According to studies, a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and cereals protects our health. Being physically active, walking, cycling and reducing the use of motorised vehicles also contributes to our health and helps protect our environment. Create your own character and play out your day. Bring along your friends and family for the ride. Look for hidden gems and decide which world you want to help shape. It is up to you!

Earth Day Action Toolkit – for all year round!!!

Every April 22nd people from around the world come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. In the below links you will find loads and loads of actions that can be taken by individuals, communities, businesses, schools, families, home owners… in short everyone.  

Alternative Fuels Explained

Emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles are a significant source of the world’s air pollution, which is why many drivers are looking into alternative fuel sources to reduce their carbon footprint. With the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy, reducing fuel emissions is on the agenda as it becomes a target to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050. As a result, alternative fuels are rising in popularity. These are fuels other than petroleum or diesel that can power vehicles but have a lower carbon footprint. Here are six alternative fuels for vehicles to determine which are the best options for the environment: Electricity Propane Hydrogen Natural gas Biodiesel Ethanol Read more through the link below…

The Environmental Impact of Chocolate

Delectable but destructive: Tracing chocolate’s environmental life cycle Chocolate is a treat beloved across the world. But how much do we know about our favorite guilty pleasure’s environmental impacts? A recent study, published in the journal Science Advances, sheds light on key ingredients that make their way into many chocolate products — often untraced, and possibly linked to deforestation in Latin America, Africa and Asia. The study found that high volumes of cocoa, palm oil and soy — key ingredients used in bulk to make some of our chocolate favorites — are currently traded with little to no traceability via indirect supply chains. Read more in the article below published by the Mongabay News and Inspiration from Nature’s Frontline, written by Sean Mowbray.

St Michael School EkoSkola Newsletter April – June 2022

    Aħbarijiet mill-kumitat tal-EkoSkola tal-Iskola St Michael, Santa Venera… A T T I V I T A J I E T    M I L L – K U M I T A T Air quality Webinar Presentation Green Flag evaluation Xogħol fuq Serra Ħidma fIl-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk Mobility Presentation Eko-Parlament Rovigo Erasmus Training F ’ D I N  I L – Ħ A R Ġ A Editorjal Clouds Marine Litter (Esperjenza) Alien Species in Malta Globe Project (Air quality) Readings Electricty / Solar Panel Ritratti

We care about our present and our future

We care about our present and our future: A report. Eco- Schools 11th Young People’s Summit… © 2022 Nature Trust – FEE Malta Any part of the publication can be reproduced as long as the source is properly cited and credited. Citation: Nature Trust – FEE Malta (2022). We care about our present and our future: A report. Eco-Schools 11th Young People’s Summit. Listening to children’s voices for sustainability There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, that the notion of listening to and acting on children’s voices was unheard of and even frowned upon. Children were considered as incapable of making value judgements, of evaluating issues and propose solutions to problems unless they were told how to do it by adults. Most of the opportunities offering children a platform were mostly (at best) different forms of tokenism. Children were expected to listen to and uncritically absorb what adults had to say on issues and themes that had a direct relevance to the children’s present and future. Education for Sustainable Development seeks to empower individuals irrespective of age to become active citizens seeking to promote sustainable lifestyles and choices. Nature Trust – FEE Malta sought to actively facilitate this by implementing the international Eco-Schools Programme (locally called EkoSkola). The EkoSkola programme is mainly driven by student initiated and managed actions that start off at school, but then spill over into their households and their community. Since its inception in 2002, the EkoSkola program has worked hard to bring the voice of children to policy makers, both local and overseas. So, over the years EkoSkola has created different fora to achieve this, like: EkoSkola Parliament sessions, consultation meetings with various Maltese presidents and ministers; meetings with the main political party leaders during which they presented a memorandum prior to the General Elections; and countless meetings with mayors and councillors of different localities. Another forum that promotes children’s voices is the annual Young People’s Summit, during which primary and secondary school students discuss various sustainability issues and propose ways how these issues can be addressed. These issues are collated into a declaration that is then presented to members of parliament. There were even cases where these recommendations were also presented to international fora such as during the Informal Meeting of the EU Environment Council; during international conferences about sustainability, and to delegates attending the CHOGM 2015. As part of the COP 26 follow up, the British High Commission sponsored five mini sessions that explored Climate Change from various dimensions that were attended by students from 103 schools (63 primary and 40 secondary). During the online summits, students discussed with local experts the various perspectives of the issues explored and proposed practical actions that could be implemented to address the issues. These proposals were collated in this special publication together with several other inputs from younger children in the form of drawings and craft projects. An interesting spin off from this series of mini summits, was an interest in learning what children from …

Learning Corner for 5-18 year olds by European Commission

If you’re a primary or secondary school pupil, this is where you’ll find games, competitions and activity books to help you discover the EU in a fun way, in the classroom or at home. You can also find out more about studying or volunteering abroad. If you’re a teacher and want to help your pupils learn about the EU and how it works, this is a source of teaching material for all age groups. As well as finding inspiration for lesson plans, you can also discover networking opportunities with other schools and teachers across the EU. You can find material about food, farming, fisheries, environment, climate, energy, culture and much more… NOTE:  This resource is available in various languages.  Links to the Maltese and English versions can be found below.   More direct links in attachments below too.

How Can Technology Contribute to a Sustainable Future?

The link given below gives a green tech in-depth guide about: What sustainable technology is and its trio of core principles: prevention, substitution, and efficiency The moves tech giants are making to be more sustainable How businesses can be more sustainable, and the schemes available to support them Here are just a few insights: Renewable forms of electricity will account for 196 gigawatts of global power by the end of 2021, a steep rise from 167 gigawatts in 2020. Businesses are a big part of tackling climate change. In 2017, Google hit the milestone of being powered by 100% renewable energy. Amazon also co-founded the Climate Pledge, which strives to meet the targets of the Paris Accord as much as 10 years early. Researchers around the world are also working on green tech solutions. At the University of Michigan, they’re developing an innovative solar glass solution, which could replace windows in large buildings. There are 5-7 billion square metres of window space available in the USA, enough to power as much as 40% of the country. Lots more info in the link below…

The importance of Eco-Friendly cars

Two students, Eva and Sofia, did some research and sent in this article with a lot of really great information on the importance of eco-friendly cars… In the past decade, the automobile industry has experienced a revolution. While traditional vehicles are still going strong, the creation of affordable, mass-produced hybrids and electric cars has started a revolution. Many people are choosing electric cars over fossil-fuel vehicles because they are cheaper to drive and help reduce damage to the environment. The cost of charging an electric car is much less than the cost of filling up the tank, and the cost of a new hybrid or electric car has dropped considerably over the past ten years. These cars also aren’t as loud, which reduces noise pollution and makes communities quieter. While it seems like electric cars are the most logical move, it’s only recently that technology has made them both affordable and efficient….

A Consumer’s Guide to Reducing Pollution

A surprising amount of pollution starts at home. The car you drive, the household and personal care products you buy, the chemicals and equipment you use to keep your lawn and garden in shape all contribute to water and air pollution. But there are consumer choices you can make that will reduce your environmental footprint.  Click on the link and refer to subtitles below… How to Prevent Air Pollution: The Car You Drive Household Products Energy Use Preventing Water Pollution: Pesticide and Fertilizer Alternatives to Prevent Water Pollution Reducing Landfill Waste 25 Things You Can Do to Reduce Pollution (with infographic)  

Mediterranean Environmental Learning – Free online training courses

Several self paced online training courses are available in this catalogue thanks to MIO-ECSDE.  You just have to sign up for free and choose the courses you wish to do. Catalogue includes various topics such as marine litter,  odour pollution, wetlands, waste management, pollutants, waste water…

21 useful tips to save energy in summer

If you’re one of the many people who transitioned to flexible or full-time work from home, you may have noticed your energy bills creeping up… Here are some COVID energy-saving tips which may apply always actually. Many of us have been mostly cooped up inside our homes. This has resulted in higher spending on gas and electricity, particularly during the height of lockdown. Here are some tips to save water and energy in the house all through the year actually.  Some may not apply for you but others certainly will.

Our Planet, Our Future

The Teacher’s Hub provided by the European Commission  contains a selection of classroom exercises and relevant materials for the “Causes”, “Impacts” and “Solutions” modules of the interactive site for students “Our planet, our future”. In each section, you’ll find an introduction worksheet, various thematic worksheets and one answer sheet.   Our Planet, Our Future: Fighting Climate Change Together Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing our world today. Our planet is experiencing significant and accelerated climate change that began over a century ago. This educational tool is developed by the European Commission. It is based on information contained in “Our Planet, Our Future: fighting climate change together”, initially published in 2015 ahead of the Paris climate conference and updated in 2018.

Been there together GAME

BEEN THERE TOGETHER is an alternative to mobile games, which pull the player into virtual reality. On the contrary, BTT encourages player’s perception of their surroundings and active participation in society. It helps people… ● create relationships ● train social courage ● leave their virtual bubble ● feel more comfortable in their environment How does it work? Today, more than ever, we need to empower community resilience and group collaboration. Questions and challenges provided by the game point to specific societal issues, stimulate discussion and collaboration. From a fun activity to a tool that allows us to better understand and work with several social problems. LET’S BE THERE TOGETHER and empower communities through collective action!  

Realistic ways you can combat Climate Change, Today!

As the hard realities of climate change become clearer in our daily lives, taking responsibility for mitigating these effects is a front-of-mind issue. But meaningful change does not mean a grim life of deprivation. New habits and energy-smart investments can make a real difference.  Below is the link to a website which can be of help! No matter how much time and money you have, you can help stave off the effects of climate change. Keep scrolling to learn about the most effective ways you can help the planet, according to the experts. You can also use the sliders below to filter activities that fit into your budget and resources.

Our Planet series and related educational material

“There can be no greater legacy than giving young people the tools they need to save our planet.” Sir David Attenborough One Planet, Our Planet The habitats that make up our planet are connected and reliant upon each other. The astonishing diversity of life on earth depends on these global connections. Frozen Worlds Our poles are some of the earth’s last remaining wildernesses. And yet just as we are beginning to understand these extraordinary places, they are changing fast. and much more… Explore the links below and material found in them.

Toolkit for Young Climate Activists

Created by young people who are concerned about our planet´s situation and who, as activists, have faced many challenges when advocating and taking action. Its goal is to share clear, concise, easily understandable information that describes the course that global, regional and national climate action is taking, in order to prepare young people for full and informed participation. The five booklets interrelate and are designed so that you can read them in succession and progressively deepen your knowledge of each of the topics. You can also consult them independently, according to your needs. You can download any of the 5 available booklets, available: 1) Tools for climate action 2) What is climate governance 3) Climate Glossary for young people 4) The Pars Agreement for young people 5) Escazy Agreement for young people

WWF Magazine

World Wildlife magazine provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the connections between animals, people and our planet. Published quarterly by WWF, the magazine helps make you a part of our efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the natural world.

Understanding Food and Climate Change – An Interactive Guide

Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive Guide explores the links between what we grow, eat, and throw away, and the impact of climate change. But why explore the relationships between food and climate change? Because food is an essential human need and offers the potential for personalizing climate change. Food production depends on natural resources that are linked to climate and weather. Understanding the global food system can help your students comprehend how personal choices about food can impact climate change. By talking about food, we can demonstrate why climate change matters to all of us. The link below leads to an interactive e-book with loads of information and activities. The Center for Ecoliteracy offers a no-cost suite of digital education resources that explore the fundamental relationships between climate change and the food systems that sustain human life. These publications consider the potential for food systems-oriented climate change mitigation and adaptation. The first two resources in the suite are Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive Guide and Understanding Food and Climate Change: A Systems Perspective. Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive Guide incorporates text, video, photography, and an array of interactive experiences to deliver climate science alongside multicultural, interdisciplinary viewpoints. Its aim is to promote awareness and understanding of global climate issues, their intersection with food systems, and promising strategies for addressing climate change. This resource includes suggested activities and connections to both the Next Generation Science Standards and the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies Thematic Strands. The companion publication, Understanding Food and Climate Change: A Systems Perspective, is a collection of essays that addresses topics that educators will encounter when teaching about food and climate change. These essays offer subjects for class discussion or student research and provide extensive resources for further investigation. This resource applies systems thinking to inspire readers to think in terms of systems, both human and natural. Used together, these publications serve as a strong foundation for developing and deepening our understanding of how we interact with nature. They are valuable resources for anyone engaged in shaping a more positive future. Copyright © 2018 Center for Ecoliteracy 2150 Allston Way, Suite 270 Berkeley, CA 94704-1377

Nature for all Discovery Zone

Welcome to the #NatureForAll Discovery Zone. Curated from #NatureForAll partner resources, and ranging from videos to lesson plans, comic books to coloring books, this collection will help you connect people with nature, instill love of nature and learn about nature wherever you are. Refer to the link below for loads of online resources where you can browse hundreds of partner resources, from comic books to lesson plans. and a Conversation Space – A unique online platform allowing you to interact with nature enthusiasts interested in connecting people with nature.

20 Ways To Go Green At Work

Throughout recent years, more and more people have sought to adapt their domestic lives in order to “go green”. Measures such as reducing home water waste, reducing energy consumption, and opting to buy local produce all have a role to play in helping the environment and have been readily adopted by millions of people. However, while domestic adoption of “green” tactics has been accepted, many businesses have struggled to find ways to “go green” in their business environments. In an effort to remedy this issue, below, we have put together 20 easily-implemented ideas that can help you to bolster your environmentally-friendly activities in the workplace.

Eco-friendly gardens: 7 ways you can help protect the environment with self-sustaining gardening habits.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor project this spring, planting and taking care of an eco-friendly garden is a great choice. It’s a fulfilling activity that helps you enjoy nature while staying mindful about your environmental impact, and it’s an ideal way to add beauty to your property. There are even more benefits to eco-friendly gardening if you choose to grow vegetables and herbs, as you can use them in delicious, home-cooked meals. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the food you’re using is organic—and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you grew the plants yourself. Ready to do your own eco-friendly gardening? Here are seven tips to help you get started.

4 Easy, Affordable Ideas for Creating a Water-Friendly Garden

Whether you’re worried about the impact of climate change on future generations or you simply want to save on your monthly utility bill, a water-friendly yard is a great way to reduce your consumption of one of the planet’s most valuable resources. That’s because there are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to create and maintain a lawn and landscape that require less water. Here are four ideas to help you get started.

Creating a Water-Friendly Garden/Yard

Whether you’re worried about the impact of climate change on future generations or you simply want to save on your monthly utility bill, a water-friendly yard is a great way to reduce your consumption of one of the planet’s most valuable resources. That’s because there are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to create and maintain a lawn and landscape that require less water. Here are four ideas to help you get started.

EkoSkola Newsletter – St Michael School, Santa Venera – Ħarġa 21

All about Light Pollution

The topics discussed on this page cover how to prevent light pollution, in particular the topics are: Public Broadcasting Station’s P.O.V. will give an encore showing of Ian Cheney’s The City Dark – Monday, August 12th, 2013 Reducing Light Pollution Preventing the Effects of Light Pollution in Your Home Practical Actions – Tips for how to better deal with Light Pollution from others IDA’s Good Neighbor Introductory Letter Some notes about legal actions that have been tried. American Medical Association UNANIMOUSLY passes Resolution 516 against Light Pollution Additional sites about light pollution If you would like to learn reasons to prevent light pollution, then consider some of its impacts… This site was suggested by Peyton Vogel and her friends.

Not Just Numbers

Not Just Numbers is a complete teachers’ toolkit about asylum and migration in Europe. The kit was developed in 2009 by UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with funding provided by the European Commission. Materials available A teachers’ manual explaining the main facts and definitions on asylum and migration in Europe, and a step by step explanation of a few class exercises. A series of video portraits of migrants and refugees available online via the links below and on a DVD. Video of Iranian refugee Rean Video of Kosovo refugee Adelina Video of Congolese migrant Doré Video of Italian migrant worker Tino Video of Mexican skilled workers Veronica and Alfredo A two minute video exercise without subtitles showing migrants and refugees arriving in a boat on the sea. A set of photos for use in a photo exercise. Download as pdfs: Photo 1; Photo 2; Photo 3; Photo 4; Photo 5; Photo 6; Photo 7 All material also available in Maltese and various other languages.

Water in Malta – Documentary

Water – the source of life. In Malta, water is a scarce resource. Consumerism and short-sighted policies are driving us to dangerous levels. It’s time we took action; before it is too late. This documentary which is just under 13 minutes long is in Maltese with English subtitles. This video was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this audiovisual production are the sole responsibility of KOPIN and its project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. This documentary is offered free of charge for education purposes. It may not be edited and must be shown in its entirety. For any other use, prior clearance must be obtained from KOPIN and Mediacoop Ltd.

CoReflect – Collaboration and reflection

Project CoReflect (Title: Digital support for Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reflection on Socio-Scientific Debates) is a three year (2008-2011) research program, funded by the European Commission, under the FP7 Science in Society program. Bringing together eight diverse and multi-disciplinary teams from seven European states, the project members promoted evidence-based practice in science teaching and learning, by collaborating to iteratively design, enact, critique, and validate problem-based innovative inquiry learning environments.

Consumer Classroom – also in Maltese…

Consumer Classroom is a new collaborative website for teachers about consumer education. It provides free, high quality resources for teachers along with interactive and collaborative tools to help teachers prepare lesson plans to share with students and other teachers from across the EU. Sign Up now on www.ConsumerClassroom.eu

EkoSkola f’Tagħna t-Tfal – April 2013

Din il-ħarġa tippreżentalna diskussjoni ħelwa bejn siġra, vann u jidhol ukoll għasfur.  Ejjew naraw x’għandhom xi jgħidulna….

Written Declaration on Climate Change – Youth Voice in Europe

The need was felt to launch a written declaration to the European Parliament that demands MEPs listen to young people’s views on climate change.

Free Climate Change Education eBook

Climate Change Education: A Primer for Zoos and Aquariums, explores the links between climate change science, electronic media, psychology, learning sciences, communication, and interpretation, and provides valuable insights to zoos and aquariums and other cultural institutions.

The Earth Dog Story – Earth Dog returns to Save the Environment

The Earth Dog Story, first published in 1992, returns as an app in iTunes and an eBook as part of the U.S. Department of Energy environmental outreach program with Weekly Reader. Earth Dog is a superhero who teaches kids about taking care of the environment.

Show you care, do your share!

The St Monica Gzira Primary EkoSkola Committee prepared a video as part of a campaign with the title: “Show you care, do your share.” The campaign was planned as part of the U4energy competition category C.

Earth Preservers Website

Earth Preservers is an environmental news and information website for kids that relates the environment to a wide-range of current events and topics. Resources include short films and documentaries, interactive quizzes, classroom resources, poll questions, and a monthly newsletter.

Games Page on the United States Environmental Protection Agency

This webpage contains links to loads of games, videos and quizzes related to the environment, energy, water, mystery solving, science, recycling, waste and much more…

EPA United States Environmental Agency

This webistes provides loads of resources, games, news and info to students, teachers and parents. Topics included are climate change, sustainable energy, Earth Day, science experiments, environmental games

Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN)

CLEAN, the Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network , which is a reviewed and annotated digital library collection, has teamed up with EARTH: The Operators’ Manual (or ETOM) a PBS television special starring Penn State glaciologist and climate expert Dr. Richard Alley. The ETOM website (http://earththeoperatorsmanual.com/) includes a streaming version of the entire program, a fully annotated script, links to high quality learning activities from CLEAN. “Clips of the program can be downloaded for use in classrooms. Short segments such as IT’S US — which details how scientists know from carbon isotopes that human activities are altering the climate system — are connected to online learning resources vetted by CLEAN. For teachers who would like to connect with other educators, or to ask Dr. Alley or writer/director Geoff Haines-Stiles specific questions about the program, the ICEE Community Forum (http://iceeonline.org/forum) offers a discussion thread about ETOM.  

Electronic Field Trip…

National Park Foundation provides the opportunity to experience various electronic fieldtrips. Past electronic field trips include the Sea Change, the Climate Challenge, Exploring Nature’s Plumbing System, and various others.  

A Student’s Guide to Global Climate Change

This website covers the science, impacts to society and ecosystems, and solutions to climate change. The information is presented in videos, animations, interactive graphics, and “expeditions” where students can explore how climate change affects places around the world.

Burning in the Sun

Burning in the Sun, an inspirational documentary featuring a young West African man who starts a business building solar panels from scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali. Addressing climate change, poverty, and self-sufficiency, the film demonstrates how a small-scale, local business model can provide jobs, appropriate technology, and empowerment to people everywhere.

Cool the Earth

Cool The Earth is a free, ready-to-run climate change assembly program that educates K-8 students and their families about climate change and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce their carbon emissions. The program is successful because it’s fun and empowering for the kids, and their enthusiasm is contagious!

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 9

Climate change does not only affect tourism, travelling trends and agriculture but it leads to a chain reaction with regards to economy.  Inadequate food production and extreme weather conditions lead to increased importation, higher food prices, increased insurance premiums and increased poverty.

Cimate Change Video Clip Advert

This link provides a very short video clip which explains climate change in simple words, actually as a story for children.  It ends without the conclusion.  That is up to us …

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 8

Climate change is expected to increasingly affect tourism patterns causing a shift in trends because of increased temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events. Loss of agricultural land and produce is also expected – this would affect half the world’s population.

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 7

This issue gives information about how Climate Change effects our health because of temperature increase, extreme weather conditions, climate sensitive diseases, impact on crop production and yield and hence food availability and also the quality of the air we breath.

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 6

If we cannot use rechargeable batteries always, at least we should make it a point to dispose of batteries properly. And how about composting? It can be very easy and reduces a large amount of waste that would go to the landfill instead. Reducing waste is always an issue…

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 5

Are we conscious of the impact transport has on climate and the carbon emissions resulting from the use of aeroplanes, cars and other transport means? Let’s put in some extra effort and try to walk or use the bike wherever possible…

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 4

This month’s issue is all about water: what kinds of water there are, availability of fresh water, where does our tap water come from, effects of climate change on water, and hints about what we can do to consume less water.

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 3

Can we change climate? Can we make a difference? This issue provides information about which amongst our actions produce greenhouse gases plus giving hints about how to reduce such emissions and how to identify ‘energy smart’ products.

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 2

This issue gives information about the greenhouse effect, the ozone layer, climate change, global warming and how climate change is effecting us locally.

HSBC Climate Initiative Newsletter 1

The first issue of the newsletter gives an overview of the general expectations and outcomes resulting from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) held in Copenhagen December 2009.

5 easy way to save the planet – the Super Power Bloke

A short cartoon proposing five tips to reduce our carbon footprint.

Waking up – video by the GAIA foundation

A man wakes up from a nightmare of a forest in destruction. As he stirs other visions flash before his eyes with his early morning actions. Frustration and anger turn to calm realisation as he slowly wakes up to the fact that his daily actions are connected to the world around him.

Climate change and lifestyles guidebook for youths

Loads of information, activity ideas, tips, online resources and case studies about climate change – considering the food we eat, things we buy, transport, energy, third world countries, water, jobs, lifestyle, good life, leisure and entertainment and above all ways to take action.  All this is available in the UNESCO produced downloadable pdf Guidebook.

Food miles – where does the food we eat come from?

Food miles are a way of attempting to measure how far food has travelled before it reaches the consumer. It is a good way of looking at the environmental impact of foods and their ingredients. It includes getting foods to you, but also getting waste foods away from you, and to the landfill! It is time to think about where your food has come from and what environmental effects this has had.

HOME The movie – a changing world

With aerial footage from 54 countries, the film HOME shows how the Earth’s problems are all connected. It shows how in the past 50 years – one single lifetime – the Earth has been more radically changed than by all previous generations of humanity. A film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Cool the Earth

Cool The Earth is a free, ready-to-run climate change assembly program that educates K-8 students and their families about climate change and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce their carbon emissions. The program is successful because it’s fun and empowering for the kids, and their enthusiasm is contagious!

Cool the Earth – Climate Change

Taking actions to lower your carbon footprint is a great way that you can help fight climate change. If you want to learn more about what you can do—from calculating your carbon footprint to finding eco-friendly art projects—check out these kid-friendly sites.

Plan it Green – National Geographic

Turn Greenville into the greenest city ever – building eco-home, zero energy homes, opening eco shops, upgrading existing houses, enhance the community with parks and more…

Climate Change info pack by WWF

Climate change is considered to be the most serious environmental challenge facing our planet. Our way of life, our wildlife and our environment are threatened. This pack will help you tackle this topical issue in the classroom and explores: What are the impacts of climate change? What is being done to stop climate change? How can we help stop climate change?

Earth Day Network

Teach about the history of the environmental movement with Earth Day Network’s newest curriculum unit. This online resource for all ages and users provides lesson plans, activity ideas, and digital multimedia resources for the classroom. http://www.earthday.org

NASA Gives Kids Their Own Guide to Climate Change

NASAs new Climate Kids Web site, targeting grades 4-6, de-mystifies global climate change science using simple illustrations, humor, interactivity, and age-appropriate language. The interactive Climate Time Machine shows how global changes affect our planet over time.