Denis Naughten, Minister for Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) opened Ireland’s only schools expo focused on Climate Action, at the RDS on Thursday, February 22nd. The Green-Schools Climate Action Expo saw over 5,000 students, teachers and members of the public attend the one-day event focused on creating awareness on climate action and issues related to the environment.
Two schools from Wicklow, Presentation College, Bray and St. Laurence’s NS, Greystones, exhibited at the Expo, showcasing their exemplary work on the Green-Schools programme.
With a focus on Climate Action, the Expo was divided into the themes of the Green-Schools programme (Marine Litter; Energy; Water; Travel; Biodiversity and Global Citizenship) along with a dedicated Climate Lab and Workshops zone focused on creative reuse and upcycling. Attending schools also had the chance to pledge their support to Climate Action by writing their #myclimateaction pledges on giant blackboards at the event.
The stars of the show were this year’s group of exhibiting schools: 12 schools from around the country displaying their work on the Green-Schools programme.
Presentation College, Bray focused their exhibit on promoting their Energy Bandits materials, which encourage responsible energy use and recycling of electrical goods.
St. Laurence’s NS, Greystones displayed their work on the Think Before You Flush initiative, showcasing their knowledge on the impact of sanitary waste on marine life and the proper way to dispose of items commonly used in the bathroom. They also focused their work on microbead awareness, encouraging the public to stop microbead use in cosmetics and household items.
Opening the Expo in the EPA Eco Talks Zone, Minister Naughten praised the exhibiting schools and the work of the 3,000+ schools in Ireland flying Green Flags: “Ireland’s first ever Green Schools Climate Action Expo quite rightly is celebrating the fantastic work being undertaken in our schools and communities across Ireland as we tackle climate change together as a country. I have been really inspired by the people I have met today and I hope that everyone who visits the Expo is similarly inspired by the strong enthusiasm and commitment of the students involved. Last week the Government launched Project Ireland 2040 at Sligo IT. Under Project Ireland 2040 €22 billion will be invested in climate action. The venue was chosen specifically because students and young people are central to our low carbon future.”
Joining Minister Naughten on the EPA Eco Talks stage throughout the day was a diverse range of speakers on issues related to climate change; sustainable clothing and fashion; biodiversity; weather patterns; active travel and green business. The Green-Schools Climate Action Expo also featured 16 exhibitors showcasing products, services and initiatives that schools can get involved in to heighten awareness of climate change in their communities.
