WIREDGOV

Prime Minister announces youth Climate Change Champions

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :50/08) issued by The Government News Network on 20 February 2008

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.

Editor's notes

1. The Climate Change Champions:

South West: Shirley Halse, Chippenham, 15

South East: Patrick Kennedy, Dorking, 16

London: Akhil Amlani, Hendon, 17

East England: Adam Dyster, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, near Tiptree, Essex, 14

West Midlands: Ziana Kotadia, Selly Park, Birmingham, 14

East Midlands: Pippa Stone, Ashby Parva, near Leicester, 17

Yorkshire & Humber: Hayleigh Murray, Doncaster, 15

North West: Jessica Smith, Southport, 13

North East: Jack White, Houghton-le-Spring, near Durham, 15

2. Defra has been looking for nine Climate Change Champions, aged between 11 and 18, to represent their regions and England as a whole on the issue since September 2007. The initiative is part of the Government's 'Act on CO2' campaign which underlines the link between everyday human behaviour and its effect on the environment. It calls for young people to demonstrate how they can encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint.

3. In England there were 200 entries, with 390 across England and Wales, which took a variety of formats including videos, songs, t-shirts, presentations, posters, sculptures, books, and websites. Entries were sifted by teaching professionals and the finalists were judged by a panel in a 'Dragon's Den' style interview. The final nine champions were chosen for their passion for climate change, imagination, skills, teamwork and their ability to encourage their peers and others to act.

4. Winners of the competition will:

* spend a busy year 'in office' communicating their ideas on how people can reduce their carbon footprints by taking simple and effective action

* taking part in public awareness campaigns

* take part in a European fact finding expedition to see the effects of climate change and how the issues are tackled by other communities

* meet with senior Government Ministers to share their ideas on the problems we face and ways these issues and their solutions can be communicated to audiences of all ages

* receive £1000 to organise a climate change themed event at their school, college or within their community.

5. The Champions will document their experiences on http://www.footprintfriends.com - a website dedicated to young people across the world who are interested in the environment and climate change. They will be posting photos, writing blogs and answering questions in the online forums.

Public enquiries 08459 335577;

Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk

Defra's aim is sustainable development

End

Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website http://www.defra.gov.uk