Students search for 100 ambassadors to help preserve the planet

The Ambassadors of Earth initiative is part of the Global University Climate Forum
conceptual scene: metamorphosis of our planet, transition from a green environment to the hostile and arid climate due to climate change

A group of students from the University of Plymouth have begun the search for 100 young people who share their passion for preserving the planet.

The Ambassadors of Earth initiative is looking to create a network of school-age pupils willing to take a proactive role in climate-related projects in their local community.

They will be encouraged to physically participate in one or more environmentally beneficial activities, such as a litter pick or beach clean.

They will then be asked to raise awareness within their school or local community of a particular issue or species, and develop a creative solution to a problem currently putting pressure on the environment.

The pupils will also be asked to pledge their ongoing commitment to the planet, at which point they will earn the title of Ambassador of Earth 2021.

The initiative has been created by Sancha Conway Holroyd, William Jones, Lauren Pollard and Mark Turner, all Year 2 students within the University’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences.

It is part of the Global University Climate Forum, a six-month programme which brings student activists together to share ideas, learn, connect, and act on the global imperative of addressing climate change.

In the beginning, the students plan to target sixth form age pupils in Plymouth and the surrounding area. However, they ultimately hope to build a national network over the coming months.

Find out more about the Ambassadors of Earth initiative

Lauren Pollard, Mark Turner,  Sancha Conway Holroyd and William Jones
Lauren Pollard, Mark Turner,  Sancha Conway Holroyd and William Jones

Sancha, who is studying on the BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology course, said:

“We are all passionate about the environment, however people often feel like they can’t do anything to help and that has especially been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our project aims to set a series of challenges through which people can make a difference and then to reward them for making that commitment.”

Mark, also a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology student, added:

“As we’ve seen in recent years, young people all over the world can inspire people to take pride in our planet. The whole idea of our project is to create a network where people know they’re not alone and have the support to take their passion and apply it in a positive way.”

The students are being supported by academics from their course will be required to provide monthly updates on their progress to the forum’s coordinators before issuing a final report in May 2021. That report will feature in a publication and event during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, taking place in November 2021.

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The Global University Climate Forum

The Global University Climate Forum is a novel approach to engaging, inspiring, and connecting the next generation of climate leaders. There is a powerful and growing movement of college and university students stepping up and calling for climate action. This has the potential to change the course of history, and can be strengthened by transitioning to a model of collective action.

Find out more about the forum

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