Mayo students learn about climate change

THANKS to 40 volunteer experts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 1,000 students from primary schools were among 35 schools nationwide to participate in a hands-on educational initiative on climate change during Science Week 2024.

The EPA volunteers led interactive workshops to engage young minds in understanding and addressing climate issues.

The workshops, titled 'Climate Change & You', were created through a partnership between Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) and the EPA. Designed to raise awareness of global warming, the programme encourages students to explore ways to reduce their carbon footprints and positively impact their communities.

Over 100 students in Mayo schools, Ballyvary Central N.S., Brackloon N.S., Knockrooskey N.S. and St. Joseph’s N.S. in Ballinrobe, took part. These programmes were facilitated by EPA volunteers in Castlebar, Brid Farragher, Alan Stephens and Jennifer Brady.

Gerard O'Leary, director of the EPA’s office of communications and corporate services, said: “Earlier this year the EPA launched its flagship report - State of the Environment 2024.

"This report, which presents the most recent integrated information on the quality of Ireland's environment, found that human activity has resulted in widespread and rapid changes in the climate, which are already having an impact on us.

“But the future climate is in our hands. Every action truly does matter. More than ever before, the education of young people on the importance of climate action and the environmental impact of daily activities needs to be a priority and these workshops are a fun and an inventive way of engaging with these important issues at primary school level.”

The EPA environmental workshop is just one of many opportunities afforded to students thanks to the EPA’s support of JAI since 2016. In that time more than 240 EPA volunteers have reached 8,000 young people through Junior Achievement (JA) programmes designed to encourage young people to remain in education and help them to develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.

Helen Raftery, CEO of JAI, said: “The educational value of students working with role models and getting the chance to learn from them is well-established.

"Thanks to the EPA, more than 1,000 students had an exciting opportunity to experience environmental issues brought to life in a real and meaningful way. We are grateful to both our partner schools and the 42 EPA volunteers that helped us to communicate these important messages to young people all over the country.”

Students displaying their carbon footprints: