Hi all you bloggers at Cathkin High!

I enjoyed reading all the blogs on the very important topic of climate change. What a good response you've had and I hope you will take it further. 'Eco-blogger' hit the nail on the head. We hear fine words from others about their commitment to climate change but words are not enough, we need action. Emissions from vehicles, aviation and energy use are still increasing and scientists say we have 5-10 years to make the serious changes needed.

I first raised the issue of how we could build Green Schools with South Lanarkshire Council in March 2005. I even brought an expert in sustainable buildings to meet council officers. But still the councillors voted for 17 new secondary schools, including Cathkin, to be powered by last century's technology, oil and gas boilers, rather than renewable energy. Even North Lanarkshire has installed biomass boilers (using wood - a renewable resource) in two of their secondary schools. Not having renewable energy built in right from the start is a lost opportunity for the planet we all rely on and for young people to learn about energy right where it matters - in your school.

There are lots of ways we can all make a difference. Could Cathkin High consider becoming an EcoSchool http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/ ? But we also need faster, stronger action from our leaders. Maybe the Cathkin High School bloggers could invite your MSP's or councillors to a debate and you can put your questions to them directly?

Well done and best of luck with your blogspot.

Kirsten Robb
South Lanarkshire branch of the Scottish Green Party
www.slangreens.org.uk