Climate Action! 2008

Prime Minister announces Youth Climate Change Champions

The nine young winners of the search for regional Climate Change Champions were announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Minister for Climate Change Joan Ruddock today.

The winners, each representing a different region of England, successfully demonstrated how they would encourage behavioural change and tackle climate change in their local communities.

Gordon Brown congratulated the nine young people and wished them well in their roles as Climate Change Champions at a special event at Number 10, saying:

“Across the world in every continent and for years to come, we will all need to examine our own lives, make changes and reduce our carbon footprints.

“Our young people have a crucial role in bringing about this change. These young ambassadors are the decision-makers of the decades ahead, and I feel greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and passion of these young people. I congratulate them on their bold, creative ideas and their efforts so far, and I look forward to seeing them take action.”

Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change, said:

“Climate change needs to be tackled on every level and by everyone – governments, businesses and just as important by the commitment and action of all of us as individuals, right across the country.”

“This individual action is a powerful force to be reckoned with and looking at England’s new Climate Change Champions, I can certainly see why. These committed young people have a true desire to make a difference and I have no doubt they will each make a real and positive contribution to our fight against dangerous climate change.”

Each regional Champion will take part in a climate change fact finding trip to the Netherlands, run their own event to engage with their communities and encourage behavioural change to reduce carbon footprints across their regions.

Video

A group of British teenagers, who won a nationwide competition in the UK to promote climate change issues- tour Holland to see the latest environmental initiatives there from both the public and private sector.