Do your bit for Net Zero Target

Project details

Full project title: Do your bit for Net Zero Target

Duration: One-day workshop

Funded by: College of Arts, Technology and Environment, UWE Bristol

Project team: 

• Dr Tariq Umar
• Dr Amalka Nawarathna
• Dr Alireza Moghayedi

Project summary

This one-day workshop was organised by Dr Tariq Umar, Dr Amalka Nawarathna and Dr Alireza Moghayedi to develop awareness among secondary school children on carbon reduction and how they can play a role in achieving net zero target.

Do Your Bit to contribute towards Net Zero and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project outcomes

A one-day interactive workshop was organised for kids in secondary school aimed to enhance their knowledge and awareness about the significance of reducing carbon emissions in their daily lives. The workshop was carefully structured to achieve specific outcomes that would empower the young participants to take actionable steps towards a sustainable future.

In the first part of the workshop, we provided a comprehensive overview of carbon emissions and highlighted their local and global impacts on society, economy, and the environment. By understanding the consequences of carbon emissions, the kids gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of mitigating their carbon footprint. Moving on to the second part, we engaged the children in interactive games, fostering a sense of camaraderie among them and promoting teamwork. In the third segment, we utilised the Worldwide Fund for Nature's Footprint Calculator to help the kids comprehend how carbon is generated and emitted from their day-to-day activities. This hands-on experience allowed them to identify areas where they could make conscious choices to reduce their carbon emissions. Lastly, in the fourth part of the workshop, the children collaborated in small groups and creatively developed posters illustrating their big ideas on how to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a Net-Zero future effectively.

Through this process, the workshop successfully equipped the kids with practical knowledge and a sense of responsibility, empowering them to participate actively in the fight against climate change.

Benefits of the project

The workshop's positive impact extended beyond merely educating the kids about carbon emissions; it yielded various benefits that will have a lasting effect on both the participants and the environment. The workshop instilled a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility by providing the kids with valuable insights into carbon emissions and their consequences. Armed with this newfound knowledge, the kids now possess the ability to make informed choices in their everyday lives that contribute to reducing their carbon footprint. The interactive games and team-building activities fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among the children, promoting a supportive and encouraging environment where they could openly discuss their ideas and opinions.

Additionally, by utilising the Worldwide Fund for Nature's footprint calculator, the kids gained a clear understanding of their personal carbon impact, empowering them to take action and actively participate in the global effort to combat climate change. The group activity of creating posters further honed their creativity and communication skills as they collectively brainstormed innovative ways to achieve a sustainable Net-Zero future. Moreover, the joy and pride of presenting their ideas and receiving gifts at the end of the workshop served as positive reinforcement, encouraging the kids to continue their efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and making a positive difference in the world.

The workshop's benefits extend beyond the event itself, as the kids are now equipped to be ambassadors of change, spreading awareness and inspiring others to do their part in reducing carbon emissions for a healthier and greener planet.