Themes
The Initiative’s main focus is climate change as this issue impacts all sectors of society. It is also a topic that interconnects with all of Eco-school’s main themes: litter & waste, energy, water, transport, biodiversity, global citizenship and healthy living. Participating Eco-Schools can choose to work on climate change projects in relation to these themes. More information on these themes and what you can do can be found on this website in the Teacher Manual.
Waste
Many products we use everyday are responsible for producing CO2 at each stage of their life cycle—from raw material extraction to final treatment or disposal. By reducing, reusing and recycling materials we cut down on the need for new raw materials, preserving valuable resources and saving the energy consumed in their extraction, manufacture and transportation. Also, saving energy equals less CO2 production.
In school and at home we use energy for heating, lighting and electrical appliances. Energy can be produced by burning fossil fuel such as coal, natural gas and oil. When burning fossil fuel we release carbon (as CO) which is a significant contributor to global warming and climate change. Energy can also be produced by renewable energy such as water, solar power and wind, which are infinite so will not run out. Small changes can make a big differencce to reducing CO2 emissions, like turning off lights, using energy efficient lighting, turning down the thermostate and buying renewable energy.
Water
The availability of water varies throughout the world and is highly sensitive to changes in climate. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns due to climate change worsen the plight of many of the world´s poorest people.
Most schools source water from the public water supply. This water needs to be treated and pumped to the school, with energy being consumed at each step. We can reduce water related CO2 emissions by water saving measures such as placing water saving devices in the toilet and taps, showering instead of bathing, collecting rainwater to water gardens and introducing water awareness campaigns.
Transport
The transport sector contributes greatly to CO2 emissions. Emissions from this sector have increased significantly, with the growth in air transport and private car use. The most effective way of tackling this is to use cars less often. By walking, cycling, or taking the bus, we can reduce our transport-related emissions.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life found in an ecosystem. Ecosystems are crucial to human survival in terms of food, fuel and energy, fodder for animals, medicines, clean water, clean air, flood/storm control, seed dispersal, pest and disease control, soil formation and maintenance. Pressure on biodiversity from human activity is great. Population increases have also led to an increased demand on resources.There are also many threats to biodiversity from climate change.
To protect and increase biodiversity, make a list of biodiversity in your school yard and increase the overall levels of biodiversity within the school by planting shrubs and trees, vegetables, potted plants and flowerboxes.
Global citizenship
Educating people about global citizenship and global problems like Climate Change will hopefully encourage a sense of responsibility to care about the planet and develop a common respect with those whom share it. We are becoming aware of our roles and responsibilities as global citizens. For example, you can ensure that the purchases and suppliers of your school are as ethically and encironemntal friendly as possible.
Healthy living
Our health is directly related not just to our long-term physical well-being but also our general happiness, confidence and outlook on life. Healthy living involves each of us considering our actions and what effect they will have on our planet and its natural processes. By being aware and educating ourselves about healthy living and the threat of climate change, we will be able to make sustainable decisions in our daily lives. Work towards a higher proportion of locally grown and organic food by having "waste-free" lunches, encouraging "walking buses" to schools and eating healthy snacks.