From Ian Murray
Policy and Strategy Manager
Community Resources
South Lanarkshire Council
I would like to congratulate you on your web site and ‘Bloggathon’ event.
Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest issue affecting humanity in the 21st century and there is no doubt that people’s this has been caused by human activity and in particular the burning of fossil fuels on which the industrial revolution of the past and our lifestyles today depend. There are new pressures too: the earth’s rapidly increasing population has result in ever greater demand on the planet’s natural resources leading to the burning of rainforests and loss of soils and further release of greenhouse gases. There are also fears that the rate of global warming will increase due to the release of even more greenhouse gases due to the unfreezing of arctic permafrost and the gradual heating of the oceans.
It is now clear that the earth will experience an average temperature rise of at least 2 degrees over the next 50 years. This does not sound much but the effects will be significant. Sea levels will rise leading to greater flooding of coastal areas where most of the earth’s population lives, vast populations may have to move in some parts of the world where there is already too much pressure on land and other resources. Some regions of the world will become too hot and dry to grow crops, again leading to population displacement, famine and creating the kind of competition for scarce resources which in the past have led to wars.
Our lifestyles in the developed world are largely the reason for climate change. We are consuming more than ever before. In doing so we are using more resources and burning more fossil fuels. Our current lifestyles are unsustainable. Our lifestyles also have a global impact for example greenhouse gas emissions in China are rapidly increasing because of our demand for cheaper manufactured goods. Economic development is needed to improve the quality of life of many of the world’s poorer countries, but the implications for climate change are serious. There is a very real question about how the world will manage to reduce global emissions in an equitable way – try a search on ‘contraction and convergence’ and you will see what I mean.
Can young people have an influence on solutions to these problems? Very definitely yes!! Here are just a few ideas:
· Get to know more about the issue - the more knowledge and information you have, the more likely it is that you will be able to influence key decision makers.
· Don’t be afraid to express your opinion – some people can’t accept the reality of climate change, but you are entitled to your view regardless of your age.
· Learn the skills you will need for tomorrow – some of the solutions to climate change will involve new technology so we will need engineers, plumbers, electricians, and scientists of every kind. There will be real jobs out there to help us all adapt to new lifestyles. We will also need people who can think creatively, plan, negotiate, use the media etc.Try to live more sustainably – the choice of stuff you buy makes a big difference to the impact you make on climate change and by doing you can influence others – loads of web sites on this (for example check out http://www.wwflearning.org.uk/wwflearning-home/). Use cars less and walk or cycle and use public transport where you can. Buy products with less packaging, reuse and recycle all you can. Switch off electrical equipment you are not using and don’t keep TV sets on standby etc.
Good luck with the blogspot...
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Congrats. to the new Cathkin High School Blog group.What are we to make in the future in Technical? S1 pupils in the past have designed and manufacture ice scrapers..... where is the ice? where is the snow? It's supposed to be Winter!!!It looks like we will need to make an Ark soon!!We are now using wood from sustainable resources, water based paints and varnishes, old pupil projects to make new ones etc.There are lots of energy and resource saving to be made in the school. How about some ideas???
Mr Clowes PT-Technical Education
Mr Clowes PT-Technical Education
Well done everyone at Cathkin blog group for choosing such an important topic for the blog-a-thon!
I am the sustainable Development officer at South Lanakshire Council and i think it is critically important for young people to make their voices heard on this issue. This blog-a-thon is a great way of doing this! All descision makers have to realise that the choices we make today will determin the extent of the problems of tommorrow, the ones which this curent generation of young people will have to deal with in years to come. Young people have the biggest stake in this issue, so they must ensure their voices are heard.
There are also lots of important things that all of us can do to lessen the future impact of climate change by making descisions about the way we live our lives today. We can try to walk, cycle and use public transport more instead of going in the car, for example on the way to school or work, or we can make sure we switch off lights ad appliances when we aren't using them. In this way we all have important descisions to make each day that will impact on the extent of climate change we will experience when we are older.
I hope together we can make a difference.
Lorna Jarvie
Sustainable development officer
South Lanarkshire Council
I am the sustainable Development officer at South Lanakshire Council and i think it is critically important for young people to make their voices heard on this issue. This blog-a-thon is a great way of doing this! All descision makers have to realise that the choices we make today will determin the extent of the problems of tommorrow, the ones which this curent generation of young people will have to deal with in years to come. Young people have the biggest stake in this issue, so they must ensure their voices are heard.
There are also lots of important things that all of us can do to lessen the future impact of climate change by making descisions about the way we live our lives today. We can try to walk, cycle and use public transport more instead of going in the car, for example on the way to school or work, or we can make sure we switch off lights ad appliances when we aren't using them. In this way we all have important descisions to make each day that will impact on the extent of climate change we will experience when we are older.
I hope together we can make a difference.
Lorna Jarvie
Sustainable development officer
South Lanarkshire Council
As you correctly state, climate change is one of the most important issues facing the world today. It is not just the responsibility of governments throughout the world to help the enviroment (although they obviously have a key role to play). Individuals can make a difference, and I am very pleased that the young people involved in this scheme are showing how seriously they are taking this issue through your work for National Enterprise Week.
Good luck for the rest of the day!
Janis Hughes MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Rutherglen constituency
Good luck for the rest of the day!
Janis Hughes MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Rutherglen constituency
Congratulations to the Cathkin High School Blogathon Team, your project set up to celebrate National Enterprise Week. You have been very enterprising in your approach to the issue of global warming and how to offer young people the opportunity to be involved and empowered. You have taken the initiative and taken the debate to a wide audience. You have shown that young people are responsible, can make a difference and can be successful at anything they put their minds to. Well done and good luck with the roll-out of your project!
Fiona Downey, Enterprise Development Officer, South Lanarkshire Council
Fiona Downey, Enterprise Development Officer, South Lanarkshire Council
dancin' flea said...
I think if people would just stop thinking about lining their pockets with wads of cash, then we could think of a better solution and replacemnt (e.g. solar panels, wind farms, HEP stations etc) for Scotland.I think the young people could heavily influence this descision if we worked together!
I think if people would just stop thinking about lining their pockets with wads of cash, then we could think of a better solution and replacemnt (e.g. solar panels, wind farms, HEP stations etc) for Scotland.I think the young people could heavily influence this descision if we worked together!
The Idiot's Guide To Using, Posting And Commenting On A Blog;
When Your On The Home Page, You Scroll To The Bottom Of The Selected blog You Want To Comment On, And Click The 'Comment' Button. There Is A Section Which Says;
'Leave Your Comment' At The Top Right Hand Side Of Your Screen And There Is A Box Where You Can Type In Your Comment And Post It. It May Say, 'Login And Publish' In That Case, Just Click That And It Will Publish Your Post, If You Want To Check How Your Post Looks Just Press The 'Preview' Button And It Will Let You See Your Post, And What It Would Look Like, If You Wish To Make Any Corrections Just Click ' Edit Comment ' If You Do Not Wish To Make Any Corrections Just Click 'Publish This Comment'
Note : A Comment Can Not Be Edited After It Has Been Published, So Watch Your Spelling.
Creating An Account ;
To Create An Account On Blogger, Look At The Top Of The Page And Click ; 'Blog This!'
After Clicking That You Should See; A Popped Up Window Saying
'Please Sign In Before Proceeding'
When You Open Up The Page To The Full Size Of The Screen There Is A Part Which Says;
'If You Are Not A Blogger User, Please Sign Up Here'
You Click That And You Will See A Page And Near The Top Of The Page There Is A Blue Number 1 Sign. All You Need To Do Is Fill In The First Page With Your Details, Once You Have Done That Click 'Continue' And You Have Successfully Made A Blogger Account
Once You have Done That, If You Do Not Wish To Make A Blogger Page Just Close The Page And Go Onto The Website That You Want To Blog On And Sign In And Away You Go.
When Your On The Home Page, You Scroll To The Bottom Of The Selected blog You Want To Comment On, And Click The 'Comment' Button. There Is A Section Which Says;
'Leave Your Comment' At The Top Right Hand Side Of Your Screen And There Is A Box Where You Can Type In Your Comment And Post It. It May Say, 'Login And Publish' In That Case, Just Click That And It Will Publish Your Post, If You Want To Check How Your Post Looks Just Press The 'Preview' Button And It Will Let You See Your Post, And What It Would Look Like, If You Wish To Make Any Corrections Just Click ' Edit Comment ' If You Do Not Wish To Make Any Corrections Just Click 'Publish This Comment'
Note : A Comment Can Not Be Edited After It Has Been Published, So Watch Your Spelling.
Creating An Account ;
To Create An Account On Blogger, Look At The Top Of The Page And Click ; 'Blog This!'
After Clicking That You Should See; A Popped Up Window Saying
'Please Sign In Before Proceeding'
When You Open Up The Page To The Full Size Of The Screen There Is A Part Which Says;
'If You Are Not A Blogger User, Please Sign Up Here'
You Click That And You Will See A Page And Near The Top Of The Page There Is A Blue Number 1 Sign. All You Need To Do Is Fill In The First Page With Your Details, Once You Have Done That Click 'Continue' And You Have Successfully Made A Blogger Account
Once You have Done That, If You Do Not Wish To Make A Blogger Page Just Close The Page And Go Onto The Website That You Want To Blog On And Sign In And Away You Go.
Congratulations on the climate change blog-a-thon!
Here's a quick contruibution sent from a speeding train heading back to Edinburgh:
Climate change has been described as the biggest threat humankind fces in the 21'st century. Tackling it is a massive challenge , and all too often it can feel just too big for any of us as inividuals to do anything about it. The truth though, is that we can each make a big difference. Every time we leave the TV on standby or forget to turn the lights off we add yet more greenhouse gas to the atmosphere and so turn the global thermostat up another tiny notch. By saving energy at home and at school or work, avoiding travelling by car an plane wherever possible, and following the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" rule we can keep huge amounts of greenhouse gases from being released - as much as 1000 tonnes in a single lifetime. Today's young people face a possible future of dangerous climate changes because of the fossil fuels burnt by their parents and grandparents. They can deservedly be angry with us, but they can also help decide just how bad things get.
Best wishes,
Dr Dave S. Raey
School of geoscience - University of Edinburgh
Here's a quick contruibution sent from a speeding train heading back to Edinburgh:
Climate change has been described as the biggest threat humankind fces in the 21'st century. Tackling it is a massive challenge , and all too often it can feel just too big for any of us as inividuals to do anything about it. The truth though, is that we can each make a big difference. Every time we leave the TV on standby or forget to turn the lights off we add yet more greenhouse gas to the atmosphere and so turn the global thermostat up another tiny notch. By saving energy at home and at school or work, avoiding travelling by car an plane wherever possible, and following the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" rule we can keep huge amounts of greenhouse gases from being released - as much as 1000 tonnes in a single lifetime. Today's young people face a possible future of dangerous climate changes because of the fossil fuels burnt by their parents and grandparents. They can deservedly be angry with us, but they can also help decide just how bad things get.
Best wishes,
Dr Dave S. Raey
School of geoscience - University of Edinburgh
Global warming is such a huge problem that individuals may adopt the attitude that there is very little an individual can do to affect the problem. Also, it's a bit like the car driver who believes that there are too many cars on the road but everyone else should go by bus! How do we convince people that the individual can make a difference and, yes, it is up to each individual to take responsibility for change. I wish I knew the answer! I'd retire on the proceeds!! Seriously, I think that no one initiative will cure the problem. More a combination of many minor changes in the way we live our lives. Educating young people is the key to long term reduction and believe it or not, I think we do this well. Unfortunately, it will not happen tomorrow.
Think this initiative is a really great idea. Good luck to everyone involved.
Jerry Taylor
Depute Head Teacher
Think this initiative is a really great idea. Good luck to everyone involved.
Jerry Taylor
Depute Head Teacher
Hi I'm John Cassidy the Head of Cathkin Learning Community. I am very interested in exploring ways in which neighbourhoods and wider communities, for example Rutherglen and Cambuslang can involve children and young people in ensuring that their communities get better and better and that the well-being of everyone in the community increases. How can communities show that their young people are valued and make a real contribution to the life and times of their communities?. I would very much like to hear from young people on this topic. Thanks.
Indeed I believe that young people are crucial in influencing today's enviromental problems.
I would like you to consider a system of 'Carbon Cards' (or DTQ's - Domestic tradable quotas) - a scheme designed to reduce emissions from all forms of energy use.
In such a scheme, everyone would have an emissions quota, meaning they would have a specified amount of untis of 'energy' to use per year.
Citizens would be issued with a 'carbon card', which would be swiped every time you buy petrol, diesel, coal, gas or elcetricty or every time you book a rail or plane ticket. Over half of adults are below-average emitters, and therefore would be able to sell their leftover units, so the scheme would be popular with the majority of the public for this reason.
Young people could become, quite literally, enviromental-stakeholders. They could get behind this idea and encourage adults to get involved. This could certainly represent a step in the right direction to solving the potentially huge impact of climate change in the near future
From Struan Stevenson, MEP for Scotland (Conservative).
I would like you to consider a system of 'Carbon Cards' (or DTQ's - Domestic tradable quotas) - a scheme designed to reduce emissions from all forms of energy use.
In such a scheme, everyone would have an emissions quota, meaning they would have a specified amount of untis of 'energy' to use per year.
Citizens would be issued with a 'carbon card', which would be swiped every time you buy petrol, diesel, coal, gas or elcetricty or every time you book a rail or plane ticket. Over half of adults are below-average emitters, and therefore would be able to sell their leftover units, so the scheme would be popular with the majority of the public for this reason.
Young people could become, quite literally, enviromental-stakeholders. They could get behind this idea and encourage adults to get involved. This could certainly represent a step in the right direction to solving the potentially huge impact of climate change in the near future
From Struan Stevenson, MEP for Scotland (Conservative).
'Whilst Decisions On Ways To Combat Such Things As A Global Warming Today are Taken By Politicians On The National And International Stage, I believe It Is Vital That Our Younger People Are Able To Take A Clear View On These Issues. I Also believe That Passage Of time As They Develop As Adults, But With Some Immediate Effect.
South Lanarkshire Council Is Committed To Making A Contribution To Addressing The Issue Of Global Warming. The Council Is A Member Of The Carbon Trust And Recently Agreed The Scottish Climate Change Declaration. This Is A New Agenda For Us Although Several Aspects Are Already In Place: Our Recycling Efforts Show A Substantial Improvement And Our Procurement Policy Is Focused On Energy, Efficiency, And Sustainable Goods. Our Efforts With Our Public Sector Partners Will Show Increased Focus On Sustainability, And This Is Gradually Pervading All Of Our Activities.
On Behalf Of The Council, I Wish You Every Success In Your Efforts To Raise Awareness And Achieve A Consensus From Your Students'
From Archibald Strang, Chief Executive Of South Lanarkshire Council...
South Lanarkshire Council Is Committed To Making A Contribution To Addressing The Issue Of Global Warming. The Council Is A Member Of The Carbon Trust And Recently Agreed The Scottish Climate Change Declaration. This Is A New Agenda For Us Although Several Aspects Are Already In Place: Our Recycling Efforts Show A Substantial Improvement And Our Procurement Policy Is Focused On Energy, Efficiency, And Sustainable Goods. Our Efforts With Our Public Sector Partners Will Show Increased Focus On Sustainability, And This Is Gradually Pervading All Of Our Activities.
On Behalf Of The Council, I Wish You Every Success In Your Efforts To Raise Awareness And Achieve A Consensus From Your Students'
From Archibald Strang, Chief Executive Of South Lanarkshire Council...
Many pupils at Cathkin High School take their responsibility for the environment very seriously. They take advantage of the opportunities in school to learn about and fully understand the issues surrounding man's impact on the environment. They develop a range of high level skills including skills of evaluation and communication. They use this knowledge and these skills to inform their own behaviour as it impacts on the environment, realising that small changes in our behaviour like recycling and conserving energy have a large collective impact. These young people have a very important role to play in influencing both their peers and the wider community to make environmental issues a top priority. They have made an excellent start with this blogathon - I'm very proud of them.
Marion Arthur (Head Teacher)
Marion Arthur (Head Teacher)
On climate change, either we get real on this or we risk diaster. But the agenda is narrower than that as well. Scotland could lead the world in clean green renewable technology, but we need to get it together. Do I think young people can influence things? Yes, clearly. In my experience younger Scots are considerably more switched on and open to new ideas (and doing something about them) than older ones.
Step one, for me, is to fight to see energy policy come back to the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh, as I believe we in Scotland will make better decisions than allowing London to make them for us.
From Alyn Smith, SNP MEP for Scotland
Step one, for me, is to fight to see energy policy come back to the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh, as I believe we in Scotland will make better decisions than allowing London to make them for us.
From Alyn Smith, SNP MEP for Scotland
More people everyday are becoming obese, and over-weight people should be getting more active and stop taking the car everwhere and buses... but people should be doing things like cycling and walking or jogging so I just think people should be trying to get fitter rather than getting where they are going quicker.
Gary
Gary
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