Climate change is undeniably impacting my own local area in Dublin. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns have become increasingly evident. These changes have consequences for our environment, economy, and overall well-being. For instance, we witness more frequent and intense heat waves, flooding, and coastal erosion.
To engage my pupils and explore the impacts of climate change further, I would adopt a hands-on and interdisciplinary approach. Field trips to local natural areas, such as parks or coastlines, would provide tangible examples of climate change effects. This could be complemented by research projects, discussions, and guest speakers who specialise in environmental science.
To make the world a better place and slow down climate change, I would encourage three actions among my pupils. Firstly, I would advocate for sustainable transportation by promoting walking, cycling, or public transportation instead of relying on cars. Secondly, I would emphasise the importance of conserving energy and reducing waste in our daily lives, encouraging behaviours such as turning off lights, unplugging devices, and recycling. Lastly, I would encourage my students to become conscious of fast fashion and the increase in waste it can cause.
By instilling these practices and values in our pupils, we can collectively contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future for our local area and the world at large.