Climate kids grill Cabinet Ministers
14 March 2012 Solar panels on the roof of Parliament, bicycle-powered television sets, and streetlamps with mini-wind turbines were just three…
14 March 2012
Solar panels on the roof of Parliament, bicycle-powered television sets, and streetlamps with mini-wind turbines were just three of the ideas put to ministers this morning by young winners of a National Geographic climate competition.
As part of Climate Week (12-18 March 2012), Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey and Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman met five winners aged between 8 and 12 of the National Geographic Kids magazine climate change competition, and listened to what they had to say about climate change and what they want the world to look like in 2050.
The competition winners met the two Cabinet ministers at the Science Museum’s Planet Science exhibit, a striking animated globe that shows how the world looks from an astronaut’s perspective. It displays large-scale animations of real satellite data which reveal how climate change affects the world.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said:
“Some of our most creative minds are also the youngest. Today’s winning entries give us an insight into what 2050 could look like, a more sustainable world where society has changed in a positive way to tackle the threat of climate change. I’m delighted to be able to meet the winners as part of Climate Week.”
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:
“The world could look very different in future because of climate change, and it’s this generation’s children who will really see the difference. That’s why I am delighted to discover the great ideas young people already have about how to prepare for climate change and protect their planet. Their enthusiasm is a great inspiration for us to double our efforts to stop climate change getting worse.”
Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum said:
“We are committed to engaging visitors of all ages in the latest contemporary science issues. Through our atmosphere gallery and Climate Changing programme visitors can learn more about the impact of the changing climate on our planet - as part of an enjoyable day out at the Science Museum.”
- The five winning entries can be viewed on Flickr
The National Geographic Kids magazine competition challenged readers to submit their ideas and designs to help tackle climate change. The competition ran in January and February 2012 and received 586 entries. The prize was shared by five winners and included a day in London, with the chance to put questions to the two Secretaries of State and offer their own suggestions of what can be done to tackle climate change, and a tour of the Science Museum Planet Science exhibit.
The Science Museum’s Planet Science exhibit forms part of the museum’s Climate Changing programme - a series of thought-provoking events that accompanies the atmosphere exploring climate science gallery. Planet Science is supported by the Science Museum’s Board of Trustees and Bayer.
Notes for Editors
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Photographs from this morning’s event available for download
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Climate Week is Britain’s biggest climate change campaign, inspiring a new wave of action to create a sustainable future. The campaign is backed by individuals such as the Prime Minister and Sir Paul McCartney.
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For more information on National Geographic Kids contact Jennifer Gaskin, Features Writer, jenni@ngkids.co.uk, 0207 014 3760.
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For more information on the Science Museum and Planet Science, contact Laura Singleton 0207 942 4364.