Getting Higher Level Education Climate Ready

The 1st International Conference of FEE EcoCampus took place on April 26-27, 2024. The conference convened at the esteemed ESELx – Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa (Lisbon School of Education) of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon (IPL), situated in Benfica, Lisbon.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the FEE EcoCampus programme in 2023, the event highlighted the programme's remarkable growth to 18 countries globally, with 183 registered institutions, 83 of which proudly fly the prestigious Green Flag.

Organised by ABAAE and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Lisbon, the conference welcomed 140 attendees, including students, academics, facilities staff, and administrators from 15 countries. This conference was run by FEE EcoCampus, for campuses and aimed to bring together, showcase, and celebrate achievements of the many different dimensions and approaches for achieving sustainability in the higher education from around the world.

Left to right: The FEE team, Pramod Kumar Sharma, Sanskriti Menon, Olivia Copsey, Jessica Mery. and Michael John O’Mahoney

As hubs for innovation and critical thinking, universities and HEIs are important sites of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and a critical part of the UN’s Greening Education Partnership. Greening universities and HEIs requires a ‘whole-institution approach’ to ESD which encompasses not only facilities, but also research, education, governance, community engagement, and innovation.

“With twenty years of experience in running the FEE EcoCampus programme in a whole-institution approach, our network of universities, colleges and National Operators represents a vast knowledge-base in greening HEIs. This conference will be an important opportunity to explore the challenges of greening HEIs and make sure the FEE EcoCampus programme is fit for the future.”

— Sanskriti Menon, FEE Board Member

The interdisciplinary event featured over seventy research papers, interactive poster presentations, and workshops by students, academics, facilities staff, administrators, and EcoCampus national operators. Diverse faculties participated, including engineering, communications, tourism, design, and nursing, and the discussions revolved around sustainability themes such as 'From Eco-Schools to FEE EcoCampus,' 'Training and Curricula,' 'Innovation and Development,' and 'FEE EcoCampus and the Community.'

Renowned keynote speakers at the conference included:

Arjen Wals: Professor of Transformative Learning for Socio-Ecological Sustainability at Wageningen University and UNESCO Chair of Social Learning and Sustainable Development.

Júlia Seixas: Professor at NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA) specializing in Remote Sensing in Environment, Energy, and Climate Change.

Simon Wanda: Programme Specialist in the Section for Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO Headquarters, and Secretariat of the Greening Education Partnership.

The Greening Education Partnership

FEE is leading Pillar One of the Greening Education Partnership, 'Greening Schools' for UNESCO, with a goal for 2030 where "All countries will have adopted a green school accreditation scheme with at least 50% schools, colleges, and universities with green accreditation and are operating sustainably."

Thank you!

Here’s to everyone who made the first ever EcoCampus conference so special!

Celebrating the Winners of Eco-School Estonia's International Photo Competition!

In the autumn of 2023, the Estonian EcoSchools programme held an international photo competition. The competition was organised in cooperation with the “Growing with Your Food” project which is part of the activities of the 2024 European Capital of Culture Tartu.

The competition was open to children, youth and adults, and invited people to capture moments in the garden, to show others the magic and the pain of growing food. Individual photos and photo essays from educational and community gardens, as well as home gardens, were welcome. More than 1,100 photos were submitted from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Georgia, Montenegro and Wales.

The main prize in the children’s category went to Georgia, where the photo story, written by 11-year-old Mariam Meipariani, tells about the experience of growing an ancient wheat variety in the school garden (see above). The winner of the youth category was 16-year-old Zala Debelak from Slovenia, who captured a moment on camera with the playful and multi-meaning title “Bee Happy!”. We’re especially proud to share that both winners in the children and youth categories are part of the Eco-Schools programme in their respective countries.

1st Place, Youth Prize: Zala Debelak "BeeHappy" (Slovenia)

1st Place, Adult Prize: Viktor Panasenko “Spectacular Chicken” (Estonia)

In the adult class, the main prize went to Estonia and it was awarded to Viktor Panasenko for his work “Spectacular Chicken”.

The gallery of the winning photos can be found HERE.

During the project, two guidebooks have also been created for Estonian schools and kindergartens. The first guidebook "From Autumn to Autumn - How to Create a Learning Garden" is a step-by-step guide on practical gardening in all areas, including for example composting. Currently only available in Estonian, we’ve included it here as a source of inspiration. The other guidebook is a methodological collection of gardening games, creative and laboratory tasks and practical materials which to use in a classroom. It can be viewed in Estonian here.

Congratulations to all the winners and this fantastic initiative!

Young Reporters on the Route: We Ran to Be Heard!

Text by Lucija Rotar, Young Reporter for the Environment, Slovenia

Photos and poster by Žiga Vaupotič, Young Repoter for the Environment, Slovenia

The high school of Jože Plečnik Ljubljana, located in the very center in the capitol of Slovenia, joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time. We decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so-called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive.

On the October 19th 2022 we joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time, which connects several European countries towards a common goal. In addition to the runners and students from the High school of Jože Plečnik, many teachers and experts have participated in the Running out of Time project, along with pupils from the Livada Elementary School and our beekeeper mentors, who contributed to the initiative with enthusiasm and joy.

Our green initiatives

We have been creating green initiatives at our school for many years now. Together we have created our school's urban roof garden seven years ago. Soon we have arranged the upper school terrace for a green shelter too. Last year, our school set up the first beehive on the terrace in order to contribute to the preservation of bees and to help increase biodiversity in the city by that. Bees teach us persistence, cooperation, exploration and coexistence. Our beekeeping slogan is "Learning with and from bees".

Running on the Bee Path

This is precisely why our team decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so - called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive. The first was on the terrace of our high school, next one at the replica of Plečnik’s beehive on Castle hill, third stop was at the Botanical Garden, next one to the beehive at the Livada Elementary School and the last one to the beehive in the garden of architect Jože Plečnik's house. Our students of differing classes visited these locations and gained some environmental based information about each stop.

Why bees?

"The bee is an indicator to the cleanliness of an environment, as it is one of the first to feel the changes in it, so bees should be seen as "environmentalists"... We should observe bees and follow in their lead, they will guide us in the direction of a clean and healthy environment, an environment that is perfect for both bees and humans." (Boštjan Noč, President of the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia).

A group of 3rd grade high schoolers wore yellow shirts to the Climate Run event as a part of International Running out of Time. Yellow colour symbolizes bees. They ran along a trail that encompasses the fly path our bees can take from their terrace beehive. In this way, we want to symbolically commit to their way of living. Doing so we would be able to understand the interrelation of a living being and nature, using bees as an example of a strong bond between the environment and a species. In this way we could become more responsible towards the nature surrounding us.

How we ran

We started our Climate Run with a short ceremony on the school terrace in the presence of the assistant principal and students. After a musical performance done by our two students and their mentor, the student council president presented the environmental initiative Running out of Time. The project is primarily intended to raise awareness among young people about climate change and to encourage them to make a significant contribution to the environment through their actions.

Runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana on the school rooftop, where the school beehive is located - the starting point of their Climate Run on the bee path.

Students ran through the city center – this is also where the RooT Climate Baton passed Ljubljana during the night.

Towards the Ljubljana Castle hill.

After the council president’s speech surrounding the Climate Run, we also presented the message of our school. Afterwards, our runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs, carried the climate Running Out of Time Baton along the Bee trail in the Municipality of Ljubljana. They ran from the school, through the streets of the old city centre and towards the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill, where the high school students of 3.D were already awaiting them. After the Climate message was read, the runners continued their journey towards their next point, while the other students and their mentor listened to the lecturer Aleš Süssinger from the Barje Bee Association, who shed light on the importance of beekeeping and our renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Last year, Mr. Aleš led the beekeeping club at our high school, where students learned about the beekeeping profession, bees, and the importance of both on our environment.

The architect Jože Plečnik, who designed this apiary, also holds great significance, not only for our high school, after whom it is named, but also for Ljubljana and Slovenia as a whole. By designing the beehives, he substantially elevated this part of our Slovenian cultural identity and beautifully connected both art and our national cultural heritage.

In front of the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill.

The runners continued along the Bee path towards the Botanical garden. There they were awaited by the high school students of class 3.A and their mentor. Before the arrival of the runners, an expert of botany introduced them to the role of plant pollinators and their influence on the stability of ecosystems. Established in 1810, the Ljubljana Botanical Garden is Slovenia's oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution operating uninterruptedly since its foundation. The route then led the runners to the apiary at Livada Elementary School.

Runners and classmates in front of the beehive in the Botanical Garden.

A welcome by the 3rd grade students and their teacher. At the apiary, two beekeepers talked to the youth about the role of bees and their goods. They also prepared medenjaki (honey biscuits) and honey lemonade for everyone to enjoy.

The runners also stopped at Plečnik's house in Trnovo, where they saw the beehive in the architect's garden. From there, they continued running all the way to the finish line. Participating runners showed perseverance and collective spirit from the start and all the way to the finish line on this 11 km route. The safety of the running team was ensured by two teachers of sport who accompanied them on bicycles.

A beehive in front of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik house.

I can contribute too

I am happy that I contributed to the project myself, as I created the logo that was printed on the runners' T-shirts. Since our school is known for our bees, also called ‘šubelce’ (a portmanteau of the word ‘čebelice’, meaning bees and the word ‘šuba’, a shortened version of our high school's name), I decided to depict bees, surrounding a hive on the logo. The beehive has a very simple shape, which is why it is easily recognisable, so I thought it would be appropriate as the background of the logo. The bees are also supposed to symbolize us, the students, who work hard and achieve a desired goal through our combined efforts. I also found this symbol appropriate for the Running out of Time project.

I always try to participate in projects that inspire young people with nature and teach them how to preserve our Earth, as it is something that I am deeply interested in it. The same applies to the entire class of 3.A, of which I am a part of it. We are trying to understand the causes of climate change and find ways with which each of us could contribute at least a little to reducing these problems. Since we are a science-focused class, there is an emphasis on subjects like biology, physics and chemistry from which we are able to better understand the world we live in. This is also a reason why we often help with various ecological projects that need young people to develop new ideas in which could help build a greener future.

We are aware that we represent the next generation that will have to face these problems head-on. We will contribute to solving and inventing better technologies that would be able to change the situation on our planet for the better.

We, young people, are worried about the future and find it difficult to bear such a large burden of saving our environment. As teenagers, we often face feelings of hopelessness and think that we cannot change much on our planet, even so, we must try and keep ourselves grounded and logical as well as realize that even the smallest step of achievements help to improve the state of our Earth.

At the same time, we must not be blinded by false optimism, we must remain realistic but maintain hope, as overwhelming pessimism hinders our ability to fix these problems.

Humans have an innate quality that makes us more inclined to react to bad news, it is also easier for us to remember past negative events and experiences. That is why news and mass media today in general catastrophizes problems that make us feel dejected and hopeless. The same also occurs with climate change, because its consequences are incredibly severe, we feel like there is no end to the struggle with problems of for example deforestation, water shortages, increased temperatures, unpredictable weather ... the consequences of global warming just don't stop.

But we must have hope and believe that we can change things for the better. Education plays an important role and we want every child to have an opportunity to better understand our planet. Educated people know the severity of the problems from global warming and this is already the first step towards change in our proper environmental acting. As a global community we must fight against these problems, or else the consequences are going to become even more grave.

However, we must be aware that as individuals we cannot do much, which is why projects like Running out of Time are so important. If more of us stand up to these problems, we cannot be easily silenced. That is why I believe that working together is our greatest tool for amplifying our voices. One voice is weak, but we can hear a crowd with ease.

The route of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana – Bee path.

Poster of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana.

Lucija and Žiga

Lucija and Žiga are both students and Young Reporters for the Environment at the High School of Jože Plečnik, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The High School of Jože Plečnik is an Eco-School that organized this additional 'Bee Path' as part of the Running Out of Time relay that closely connected the beehives and noteworthy attractions of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik (whom the school is namer after. A primary school, beekeepers and classmates also participated. Lucija and another student Nik Koprivec will be attending a UNESCO Youth Session titled “Youth Demand Quality Climate Education: Outcome of Global Survey” on the 15th of November at COP 27. Register for this event here.

---

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: Climate Run At The Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection

By Luka Skok and Mark Filip Mlakar, Young Reporters for the Environment, Slovenia

The Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center joined the largest international event called "Running Out of Time - RooT 2022" as part of the Ecoschool program in the autumn with a common goal: to take action for the climate, against climate change, to preserve biotic diversity and natural resources.

Thousands of runners, cyclists and sailors were preparing for the record relay. During the 7.767 kilometer track, through 18 countries, including Slovenia, they will hand over the baton containing the climate message of young people to world leaders at the United Nations conference on climate change.

Invitation to the 1st climate run of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection.

The Climate Relay began its journey in Glasgow, Scotland at the end of September and will conclude on 6 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, when the Climate Conference begins.

In order to mark this event at the school, the 1st climate run took place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The organizers of the event were: students Mark Filip Mlakar and Luka Skok from class 4. b and mentors Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan and Slavica Volčanjšek.

As part of the Climate Run Running Out of Time, several accompanying activities took place at the school:

Making a baton with a climate message

Each class made their own baton with a climate message. Civil engineers made a baton from waste construction material, and environmentalists from various waste materials. The sticks had to be 30 cm in length and 5-7 cm in diameter. After use, the rods could be reused, recycled or thermally exhausted.

The students, together with their classmates, were very original and creative in their work. As a result, as many as 15 batons were created, made from various waste materials, and there were just as many very interesting climate messages.

From among all the relay batons and climate messages, the expert committee (consisting of professors and students) then chose the best relay baton and the best climate message of our school. For this purpose, together with the company BAMF, the school produced very special awards for this occasion.

Each class made their own baton with a climate message.

Opening and awarding the best relay baton

The climate run started with the opening in front of the Celje School Center. After the opening words of student Mark Filip Mlakar from 4. b class about the importance of this international event related to climate change and the preservation of biotic diversity, the award for the best relay baton followed. It was awarded to class 3. e, as they put a lot of effort and creativity into making the stick. The prize - a trophy, was made in the school workshops under the mentorship of Andrej Hrastnik, which was then awarded by the school principal, Mr. Arnold Ledl.

Opening of the climate run in front of the Celje School Center, SŠGVO.

Students from the 3. e class with the principal receiving the award for making the best relay baton.

Climate run and award ceremony

We ran along the Savinja river embankment. The route was about 1,5 km long. Each class appointed 4 representatives who ran the relay race with their baton. The other students and professors followed the runners along the way with loud cheers. With persistence, all the runners, including some professors, successfully completed the course, thus demonstrating their enthusiasm for environmental preservation. The fastest relay was from the 3. b class, and thus they received the prize in the end. In addition to the prize for 1st place in the relay race, the students from 3. b class also received the prize for the most imaginative climate message: »REUSE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN AND SPARE THE ANIMALS!«.

Highlights from the climate run along the Savinja embankment:

The students from 3. b class ran the fastest in the 1st climate relay race of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection and also received a prize for the most imaginative climate message.

Preparation of a video contribution about the course of the 1st climate run at the Secondary school of Civing Engineering and Environmental Protection at the Celje School Center

Preparing an exhibition in the school corridor

The next day, in the school hallway, we prepared an exhibition about the course of the climate run and the made relay batons.

Exhibition in the school hallway.

At the school, in cooperation with the company BAMF, we made very special awards for this occasion.

Preparation of posters about the course of the 1st climate run at SŠGVO, ŠC Celje.

Viewing the documentary films “Climate Change – The Facts| and “The Climate Planet”

As part of the accompanying activities of the event, on Thursday, October 27. 2022, part of the school day was spent a little differently. We watched two documentaries.

An English film directed by Serena Davies, Climate Change: The Facts was commissioned by the BBC and directed by Sir David Attenborough. The film is an in-depth review of scientific theories about climate change.

Jesper Theilgaard's Danish film The Climate Planet shows how our climate depends on a complex balance.

The screening of the films was organized by the Maribor Ecological and Cultural Society for a Better World in cooperation with the EPEKA ASSOCIATION, SO.P., the Slovenian coordinator of EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal.

By watching these films, we also participated in the EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal project (EU Youth Cinema: ENERGY AND CLIMATE), which is implemented in several European countries. It primarily appeals to young film audiences. With carefully selected films, it aims to contribute to the evaluation and understanding of the Green Deal of the European Union.

Publication in the media

Throughout the course of the celebration of "Running Out of Time" event, we published it on the school's website:

• 1st climate run at SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-na-ssgvo/

• Climate run SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-ssgvo/

About Luka and Mark

Luka and Mark are both in year 4. b at the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center in Slovenia. Their mentors for this project are Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan in Slavica Volčanjšek. Both Luka and Mark attended the YEEC (Youth Environmental Education Congress) in Prague in March 2022.

---

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: What Climate Change Means for Montenegro

By Dmitriy Churin, Young Reporter for the Environment, Montenegro

When I read international news articles on environmental issues, I often notice how the debate surrounding climate change fails to reflect the complexity of its actual and predicted damage. Some of the most talked about pieces of research either discuss the broad global implications of climate change or focus on the selected set of attention-grabbing countries. As a result, dozens of less extreme, “less spectacular” stories never receive the proper attention. In an attempt to combat this trend, I endeavor to highlight the effects of climate change on Montenegro — a small country in the Western Balkans that I call my home.

Port of Budva during storm, courtesy of Miroslav Churin.

According to Montenegro's 3rd national report on climate change (released in 2020), the mean annual temperatures are projected to keep steadily increasing all across the country over the course of the 21st century, whereas the mean annual rainfall is expected to decrease by 20% by 2070 (Landau 24). Considering that Montenegro is often noted for its vulnerability to droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves, the warmer and drier weather is likely to lead to more frequent and more severe extreme weather events (Landau 24). In fact, the frequency of droughts has already increased compared to the 1990s, while the wildfires of the 2010s were some of the most destructive on record (Landau 24).

But what do such climate-related incidents lead to? The drought of 2011 vividly exemplifies the wide range of negative short-term and long-term impacts that extreme weather can have. The drought led to abnormally low streamflow in rivers and low water levels in lakes in the Zeta-Bjelopavlići region which, due to Montenegro’s reliance on domestically produced hydroelectric power, resulted in the unpredicted rise in energy prices and the prospects of energy insecurity (Landau 24; Novaković). Furthermore, the decreased volume of water in rivers and lakes, including Lake Skadar, threatened populations of fish and insects that depend on habitats offered by aquatic environments (Novaković). In addition, ecosystems were at risk from anthropogenic pollution due to the smaller amount of water to dilute harmful substances (Novaković).

As the drought of 2011 illustrated, the climate-induced increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is destructive to both local ecosystems and human communities. However, smaller countries like Montenegro are at even greater risk since they have fewer resources to accurately predict the consequences of climate change and adequately adapt to these new challenges (Landau 24-25).

Works Cited

Landau, Seth, et al. MONTENEGRO THIRD NATIONAL COMMUNICATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme in Montenegro, 2020.

Novaković, Milica. “Osim Poskupljenja Struje, Suša Dovodi i Do Problema u Prirodi.” Vijesti.me, Vijesti, 20 Nov. 2011, https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/drustvo/339579/osim-poskupljenja-struje-susa-dovodi-i-do-problema-u-prirodi.

About Dmitriy

Dmitriy Churin is an aspiring filmmaker and activist. His film portfolio includes both documentary and narrative short films. In 2020, his short documentary film about municipal waste problems in Montenegro won the national competition of Young Reporters for the Environment and was among the finalists of the international competition. In 2021, Dmitriy became a Young European Ambassador (YEA) in Montenegro — a member of the non-political network of activists supported by the European Union to promote intercultural understanding and cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. Dmitriy's work as a YEA focuses on how film and art can make our societies more open, democratic, diverse, and ecologically sustainable. In 2022, Dmitriy was selected as one of GAIA Fellow.

---

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Montenegro, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, ECOM.

Young Reporters on the Route: Day 2 with Eco-Schools Wallace Hall Academy and Applegarth Primary School in Scotland!

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

Display showing Eco-Schools activities at Wallace Hall Academy.

The second day of the Running Out of Time Relay event the weather turned to the better. Wallace Hall Academy was the first school where the baton would be handed over. Although it was a Saturday, Wallace Hall Academy was buzzing with excitement. Staff, students, and members of the community were gathered in front of the school with handmade banners to cheer the runners on. Infront of the school was a display showing all the amazing eco-work the students had and were working on. They had covered great work on many of the Eco-Schools topics!

When Jasmin Paris came around the corner running with the baton in her hand everyone was cheering and waving their banners! Even the sun came out from behind the clouds to welcome the runner. She entrusted the baton to Tom and Emily, who were accompanied by Hooley, the dog.

Jasmin’s journey had started in Kirkconnel, Sanquhar and now 26 km later she had arrived in Thornhill. Jasmin had put 26km of the total 7,767 km on her name. Jasmin is an eager hill runner and loves the outdoor. Nature makes her happy, it is a place where she can relax and find peace. She finds it important that everyone is aware of how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. Participating in the Running Out of Time relay event allowed her to help raise awareness of the importance and need of quality environmental education for all.

Even ponies took part in the relay!

Applegarth Primary School in Lockerbie an active Eco-School with a beautiful outdoor space and outdoor classroom was the next hand-over point. As at Wallace Hall Academy, staff, pupils and members of the community crowed near Applegarth Primary School. There were even two ponies and rider and a pony with carriage to welcome runner James, who had taken over the baton from Tom, Emily, and Hooley the dog and to support Mike in the next part of the relay! As James came insight, the ponies joined his side. He handed over the baton to Mike, who was going to cover the next 32 kilometres by bicycle. Mike mounted his bicycle and with the ponies on his side cycled into the distance!

John speaking with Mike, one of the members of the support crew.

Mike is a keen cyclist, who loves a challenge. He already had over 500 miles cycling on his name for 2022. Cycling gives him a sense of freedom. The freedom to be one with nature. Nature gives him the opportunity to explore and experience all his senses and clear his mind. His encouragement to participate in the Running Out of Time relay event was raise the awareness of world leaders to provide good environmental education for everyone.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

---

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Young Reporters on the Route: The Launch of Running Out of Time

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

This was my first event to join as a Young Reporter of the Environment (YRE). I was nervous but I did it. I had the privilege to be part of the start of the amazing ‘Running Out of Time’ non-stop relay event (ROoT) and to meet some wonderful people, who are dedicating their time and efforts to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the importance of quality environmental education.

The non-stop ROoT relay is going from Glasgow, Scotland to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt through 18 different countries covering 7,767 km (4,826 miles) over land and sea. The runners, cyclist, rowers, and sailors will carry a baton.  The baton symbolises the 18 countries it will be visiting and calling for the need for and importance of quality environmental education for everyone all around the world.

The wild weather of Scotland showed its tricks on the start day of the ‘Running Out of Time’ relay event. So, the ROoT relay event that was planned to start at the Glasgow Green was moved to Sunnyside Primary School. The school was bursting with enthusiasm, pupils and staff of Sunnyside Primary School were all very excited and proud to be the start location of the ‘Running Out of Time’ Relay. There were cameras crews, photographers, and reporters to capture the whole event from start to finish. There were the designers from C4 Design, who had designed the stunning baton. A masterpiece that will carry the message of the need of quality environmental education.

Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) were also at the event to strengthen the message of the need of quality environmental education. I had the privilege to interview Lesley Jones and Barry Fisher.

Lesley Jones is President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Lesley lives in Cardiff, Wales. When I asked her, “How does the Environment makes you feel,” a lovely smile appeared on her face, like she could see herself walking her dogs in the beautiful Wales country site. She loves being outdoors doing the gardening in her garden. Working in the garden and getting your hands dirty can help to increase your serotonin levels.

She sees her garden as an important aspect in thriving eco-systems. Her work at FEE involves supporting her teams to design programmes so everyone can access quality environmental education to become aware how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. FEE gives access to fascinating and supportive programmes, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters of the Environment, LEAF, Blue Flag, and Green Key.

My next interview was with Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), a charity with the vision to encourage a Clean, Green, Sustainable Scotland.

Barry lives in Scotland with his family, and they just moved house. He added that they are insulating their home as best a possible to reduce the carbon footprint. Barry and his family work as a team so they all do the most to contribute to the solutions of climate change. They also do their best no to purchases single use plastic (refusing), to minimise their waste (reduce), and to recycle their waste (recycle).  Their garden is a heaven for pollinators. They are also growing trees to enhance air quality and storing carbon. He loves his work at KSB as it provides solutions to challenges. The charity can tailor solutions by working with schools, communities, and businesses.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

---

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.