Renfrewshire pupils have achieved a significant win in an environmental journalism contest. The Renfrewshire Climate Champions recently took first place in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Young Reporters for the Environment competition. Their video entry, titled “Closed loop recycling, a visit to ENVA,” stood out in the 15 to 18 age category.
Catriona Rae, a Senior Education and Learning Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, expressed her admiration for the creativity and passion shown by young participants across Scotland. She stated, “Selecting a winner is never easy. Every year, we receive incredible submissions that showcase the deep concern young people have for environmental issues.” She congratulated the Renfrewshire team for their outstanding work among many talented entries.
The Young Reporters for the Environment program empowers youth to explore and articulate their views on environmental matters through various mediums, including writing and video. This year marks 30 years of the Eco-Schools initiative alongside Young Reporters for the Environment, underscoring a long-standing commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among students.
Research indicates that engaging young people in sustainability efforts can have a lasting impact. According to a recent survey by Keep Scotland Beautiful, 85% of youth believe they can make a difference in environmental issues. This is encouraging, especially as schools across the country adopt programs like Climate Action Schools. Funded by the Scottish Government, this initiative pushes schools towards meeting ambitious climate goals by 2030.
For those interested in exploring more about this year’s competitors and their innovative projects, you can find a complete list of winners here. To learn about the Climate Action Schools program and its benefits, check out the information here.
Young voices are essential in driving the conversation about environmental issues. Their engagement not only highlights current challenges but also fosters hope for a more sustainable future.