Workshops to involve children in raising awareness on climate chan

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) In what can be seen as an initiative to involve children to contribute in a meaningful way to reduce their contribution to global warming, the WWF India today joined hands with Tetra Pak to launch a series of workshops on climate change in schools across the country.

The 'Young Climate Savers' programme seeks to inculcate among 50000 children from 200 schools across the country leadership and motivation skills for promoting energy efficient lifestyles and eco friendly attitudes, secretary general and CEO of WWF India Ravi Singh said at a press conference here today.

''This is a unique initiative - first and possibly the largest single activity on Climate Change among students in India. The programme aims to reach over 50000 students in 200 schools in one year and make them aware about issues of climate change and importance of energy efficiency, ''Mr Singh said adding that ''by reaching out to the younger generation, we expect to kindle the harbinger of new hope to mitigate this significant threat to our environment''.

Managing director of Tetra Pak India, Peter Hane Weijman said,'' as a company, we have set goals on energy reduction, moving towards green energy plus recycling of post consumer cartons. But this initiative to educate children on Global warming is close to my heart.

Global warming is going to impact every single person on earth.

It is in our hand to stop the affect of Global Warming. In my opinion, there is no better way than educating young children who with their passion and ingenuity, can bring a change.'' The 'Climate Savers' programme holding of workshops for students and teachers of the schools is meant to raise awareness among them of the important issue of climate change.

''We hope that 50000 children in 200 schools from ten cities across India will help us reach out to two lakh Indians to reach them with the message to do something about the problem of Global warming by things like, say, replacing ordinary lamps with CFC lamps or planting more trees,''Mr Mohan said.

He said reaching out to children was a significant step to tackle global warming as these children are the adults of tomorrow.

''We believe that these workshops are the first step to make our younger members of civil society aware of the issue,''Mr Mohan said.

''Our ultimate aim is to reach not only to those who understand English but also to those in the heartland who spoke languages like Hindi and other regional languages.

On this occasion, children from several schools in Delhi shared with the audience their views on the issue of Global warming.

UNI