Teach Climate Change In Schools – Fine Gael

Fine Gael have called for aspects of climate change and global warming to be taught in schools.

Fine Gael TD Seán Barrett, who is Chairman of the Joint Committee on Climate Change, said school children should learn about climate change and energy security to ensure that the next generation plays its part in fighting global warming.

"Climate change and energy security should be included as an integral part of the school curriculum.

"The commitment by major industrial nations at the recent G8 summit to a 50% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 underlines the urgent need for greater environmental consciousness by young people," he said.

The news comes following continued debate in the North on whether the current climate changes are man-made.

Debate sparked following comments by the Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson that climate change was not caused by man has now been revived. Children's TV presenter Johnny Ball has shocked environmentalists by coming out in support of the Stormont Minister, commenting on a Northern Ireland radio show this morning that attempts to save the planet were "rubbish" as the effect would be so minimal.

The ex-presenter of children's science show, Johnny Ball Reveals All, was a guest on BBC Northern Ireland's Talkback show, discussing the issue.

His views though aren't echoed by Fine Gael's Sean Barrett, who continued by saying that teaching environmental responsibility should be ideal components of school curriculum.

"I would view the inclusion of climate change and energy security in the school programme as a critical step towards inculcating responsible citizenship among young people," the Minister said.

He added: "Strategies such as calculating carbon footprints, which are designed to lessen the impact of climate change, need to be imparted to children as young as primary school level.

"Global warming as a consequence of climate change and the urgency of developing renewable energy supplies are issues that must be addressed creatively by present and future generations."

(DW/BMcC)