As an Ambassador Eco-school, we have been asked to help promote a consultation by The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs aimed a developing an environmental plan for the next 25 years. Today at Assembly, our young Eco-Committee shared some examples of how they look after their environment, encourage wildlife such as birds and red squirrels into our school grounds and have planted native hedging and trees. They outlined how we are aiming to reduce the amount of plastic, especially single use plastic and how they have been taught about the dangers of plastic pollution in our seas.THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
They would like to encourage you parents and grandparents and the wider community to take advantage of this ONE BIG OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE WITH JUST ONE EMAIL.
Respond to this consultation and put these important issues on the map by simply copying and pasting text and email it to esni@daera by 23rd December 2019.
Just one email to take your ONE BIG OPPORTUNITY to make a lasting impact on our environment,
The background to this consultation is as follows -
"The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs has launched a consultation to develop a 25 year plan for our environment. Young people are our future and will be the most impacted by the Climate Emergency. We know that the avenues for those under the age of 18 to make their voices heard can often be limited, but this is an opportunity for those who are too young to vote to take part in achieving something special.
We want you to take advantage of this One BIG Opportunity to make a real difference. Encourage parents and pupils to respond to this consultation and put these important issues on the map.
To make it easier for you and to give you some ideas, we have included our responses below. To see the full list of questions and full report click here .
Simply copy and paste the text below and email it to esni@daera-ni.gov.uk by 5pm on 23rd December 2019. Remember to include your name and age.
It’s that simple. Use just ONE email to take your ONE BIG Opportunity to make a lasting impact on our environment.
#ONEBIGOPPORTUNITY #TOOYOUNGTOVOTE
Possible Responses you may want to reference are -
Question 1: Do you agree that the Environment Strategy should sit alongside existing Executive-endorsed strategies, such as the Sustainable Development, Public Health and Economic Strategies?
Response
Create healthier communities by providing opportunities to get together more outdoors in accessible public spaces to do good and feel good through practical environmental action. This should link in with other strategies around sustainable development, mental Health and well-being. Research has shown the benefits that volunteering has for an individual’s general health.
Question 4: Do you have any comments on what specific issues should be included under a proposed Environmental Engagement strategic theme?
Response
Inform every young person about climate breakdown, the loss of our wildlife and marine plastic pollution and what it means for our future. Help us find ways to raise awareness and to take action together. Declare a climate emergency.
Question 5: Do you have any comments on what specific issues should be included under a proposed Environmental Prosperity strategic theme?
Response
Invest more in public transport making our dependence on cars less necessary and improving air quality
Question 7: Do you have any comments on what specific issues should be included under a proposed Environmental Quality strategic theme?
Response
Plant more native trees. We have the lowest level of tree cover anywhere in Europe and want to see 20% of our land planted with trees; important for nature to thrive.
Create a waste free society where we use less, waste less and stop polluting our seas. And anything we use, including single use plastics, needs to be part of a truly circular economy.
Help everyone learn how to grow more tasty local food and provide plants for our pollinating bees.
Question 10: What are your big ideas for the future protection and enhancement of the environment?
Response All of the above."
Your participation in this consultation would be greatly appreciated by our Eco-committee here in school, thank you.
