Latest news with #ClimateChallengeCymru
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Science
- South Wales Argus
Ynysddu Primary School wins Climate Challenge Cymru award
Ynysddu Primary School picked up the award in the Clean Our Air category at Keep Wales Tidy's innovation challenge, an initiative inspired by the Earthshot Prize. The competition was part of Climate Challenge Cymru and asked primary and secondary schools across Wales to tackle one of five global challenges or 'Earthshots'. These were to Build a Waste-Free World, Clean Our Air, Fix Our Climate, Protect and Restore Nature, and Revive Our Oceans. Ynysddu Primary School won the Clean Our Air category thanks to their creative research into using lichen to monitor air quality, and their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in their local area. They were presented with their award by Dr Jennifer Rudd, a climate expert from Swansea University, at a special ceremony in Cardiff. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "When I founded the Earthshot Climate Challenge Cymru project in 2021, I wanted to create something different - a platform that would unleash the creativity and passion of young people in Wales to tackle climate change. "What makes this project special is that it connects local action with global thinking. 'Across Wales, we've seen incredible partnerships between schools and environmental organisations, where students aren't just learning about climate change - they're taking real everyday climate action.' The competition, now managed nationally by Keep Wales Tidy's Eco-Schools team in partnership with the Welsh Government, aims to inspire young people to take action against climate change. Speaking at the Climate Challenge Cymru awards ceremony, Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: "It's been so inspiring to see the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of young people from across Wales on display at Climate Challenge Cymru. "Not only has it been a celebration of the incredible projects they're already leading and the impact they're having but also signals a real momentum moving forward. "The passion on display gives us real hope for the future. "It's clear that with young people leading the way, we have every reason to be optimistic."
Powys County Times
19-07-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys school praised for environmental achievements
A Powys secondary school has been praised for its environmental achievements after winning a national award. Gwernyfed High School in Powys scooped the Revive Our Oceans category at the 2025 Climate Challenge Cymru Awards for its efforts to protect marine life and raise awareness about ocean conservation. Councillor Pete Roberts, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a learning Powys, said: "This is a remarkable achievement for Gwernyfed High School and a shining example of the power of youth-led climate action. "The Eco-Club's passion, creativity and teamwork are truly inspiring. "We are incredibly proud of their success and the positive message it sends to schools across Powys. "Credit must also go to the wider school community for nurturing a strong culture of environmental responsibility. "This award reflects not only the pupils' dedication but also the school's commitment to empowering young people to lead the way in tackling the climate and nature emergencies." The awards, held in Cardiff celebrated schools across Wales. Gwernyfed's entry was one of hundreds submitted and secured the Eco-Club a place in the national final. Members of the Eco-Club said taking part left a 'lasting impression'. Megan, a pupil, said: "We really enjoyed the competition, creating the video and the poster. "This competition has inspired us to do even more to help our school environment, and seeing what other schools have done has given us lots of ideas. "We are really happy to have had this opportunity." Fleur, another club member, said: "A completely unforgettable experience. "The hard work, and fun, leading up to the competition was amazing. "The event was utterly inspiring. "I found it interesting to see new ideas and meet like-minded people who care for our environment." Sorcha added: "Entering the Climate Change Cymru competition wasn't about winning, but looking at how we can help our environment. "Winning was an amazing outcome for us. "It was nice to get the recognition for what we are trying to achieve and reassured us we are making a difference." The team impressed judges with their practical solutions to reduce ocean pollution and promote marine conservation. They were presented with a trophy and certificate by Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker in front of an audience of peers, educators, and environmental leaders. Sian Jenkins, interim headteacher at Gwernyfed High School, said: "We are really proud of our creative, innovative, and amazing Eco-Club pupils at Gwernyfed High School. "Their passion for protecting our oceans is truly inspiring. "Together, we can work collaboratively to secure a brighter future for our planet and make a positive impact on the environment. "We celebrate our students' achievements and look forward to their continued dedication." Climate Challenge Cymru is a national competition for schools in Wales, encouraging pupils to develop solutions to environmental issues through short video submissions. It is delivered by Keep Wales Tidy's Eco-Schools Wales team, in partnership with the Welsh Government.
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Ysgol Clywedog, Wrexham, wins Keep Wales Tidy award
Ysgol Clywedog earned the top prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category of Keep Wales Tidy's innovation challenge, part of the Climate Challenge Cymru programme. The school was recognised for a joint film created with Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladesh Islamia School in the United Arab Emirates, which explored how schools can support biodiversity. The award was presented by First Minister Eluned Morgan during a ceremony in Cardiff on Wednesday, June 25. Ms Morgan said: "When I founded the Earthshot Climate Challenge Cymru project in 2021, I wanted to create something different – a platform that would unleash the creativity and passion of young people in Wales to tackle climate change. "What makes this project special is that it connects local action with global thinking. "Across Wales, we've seen incredible partnerships between schools and environmental organisations, where students aren't just learning about climate change – they're taking real everyday climate action." The competition invited schools across Wales to submit short videos proposing solutions to one of five 'Earthshots': Build a Waste-Free World, Clean Our Air, Fix Our Climate, Protect and Restore Nature and Revive Our Oceans. Nicholas Brown, a teacher at Ysgol Clywedog, said: "Our Eco-Taskforce have worked hard to make a difference both locally and globally. "Working with the students in the UAE showed our pupils that we had common concerns, ideas and goals. "It was wonderful to see the ideas and teamwork build and flourish towards such a positive outcome." READ MORE: Man 'lost the plot' and threw junk mail across neighbour's garden during dispute Climate Challenge Cymru began as a regional programme in mid and west Wales in 2021, led by the First Minister. It is now managed nationally by Keep Wales Tidy's Eco-Schools team in partnership with the Welsh Government. Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: "It's been so inspiring to see the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of young people from across Wales on display at Climate Challenge Cymru today. "Not only has it been a celebration of the incredible projects they're already leading and the impact they're having, but also signals a real momentum moving forward. "The passion on display gives us real hope for the future." The winning videos can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website at
