Welsh Teens Become Climate Champs

Six teenagers from across the Wales are set to become figureheads for young people on climate change after winning a Welsh Assembly Government competition.

Nathan Sutcliffe, 16, from Dolgellau, Huda Zahid, 17, from Bangor, Sebastian Giraud, 14, from Porthmadog, Rose Stevens, 15, from Barry, Cyril Nqaba Moyo, 18, from Brecon and Jenni Derrick, 15, from Port Talbot, take up the prestigious roles following a nationwide search for young people passionate enough about the environment to become Climate Change Champions.

The ‘Climate Change Champions’ competition was launched in 2008 to find six young people to use their influence to persuade their friends, families and communities to do their bit to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint.

The six youngsters will spend a year ‘in office’ spreading the word about how people can take simple but effective steps to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money at the same time.

Their busy schedule for 2010 will include visiting and taking part in a wide range of eco-friendly projects, participating in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Climate Change Commission and meeting politicians and environmental experts.

They will also organise events in schools and community groups across Wales to highlight the positive steps people can take to ‘go green’.

Jenni, who attends Dyffryn Upper School in Margam, said: "For my project I plan to start an initiative called ‘Growing Green’, encouraging primary schools throughout Wales to help their pupils and their families to grow their own vegetables, helping reduce their food miles and carbon footprint."

Sebastian, who attends Ysgol Eifionydd, in Porthmadog, said: "I see my time as a Climate Change Champion as a really good opportunity to educate my community on how they can easily tackle climate change."

Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said the young people play a vital role by sharing the climate change messages with their friends, relatives and local communities.

"They will inspire people to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint and I look forward to working with the Champions over the year ahead."

(PR/GK)