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If this Head of Science were to 'experiment' with Jersey, her aim would be to create a green explosion.
Andrea Lathwell teaches at St. Georges Preparatory school, where she has become the first teacher in Jersey to become UN Accredited in Climate Change teaching.
She also runs the school's Science Ambassador scheme and is a passionate advocate for the local and global environment.
Andrea describes it as a "privilege" that her family are able to call Jersey "home" says she is therefore "inspired daily to protect this precious place".
She shared her "wish list of changes" if she were able to put that inspiration into action at the highest level...
I would make climate change lessons a mandatory part of the curriculum, following the Italian example. Climate change is happening at an alarming rate. The science is there, and the effects are already visible across the world. The possible outcome scenarios for the future have already been calculated and the need to act is clear.
As educators, looking after and influencing future generations, we have an ability and a responsibility to ensure that pupils in our care are aware of the positive climate action they can take, and are inspired to do so.
Pictured: Andrea believes there is a "responsibility" to educate younger generations about climate change.
We also need to set a good example. Climate change education is critical to ensure that our children have the tools and understanding for positive climate action. After all, it will be children and future generations that will be most affected by the changes.
Wouldn’t it be great if Jersey could stand out as climate change education leaders, taking the example from Italy, where from September 2020 children will have mandatory lessons to learn about climate change and sustainable economic development?
I would make sure we work hard to switch to renewable sources of energy wherever possible, particularly on commercial buildings. Fossil fuels are still the main fuel used for generating electricity.
Although I’m pleased to see that by 2027 all of Jersey’s imported electricity will come from low carbon nuclear or hydro sources, it is an area we can still improve. One way to do that would be to harness the power of the sun. We are known as a ‘sunshine island’, so harnessing this renewable source of energy could help reduce the Green House Gases (GHGs) emitted.
Pictured: Andrea hopes to see many more solar panels in use on island buildings in future.
In Cyprus, 93% of residences use solar water heaters, so why not use solar energy for electricity as well as using it for heat too? As public buildings around the island are built or updated, using solar panels effectively would have a significant impact on our carbon footprint.
I was pleased to learn that the new Les Quennevais School will have solar panels and hope to see a lot more of this. The choice of fuel we use greatly affects the levels of emissions, and the possibility of reducing GHG emissions by tackling the self-sustainability of residential and commercial buildings has huge potential.
I would see much less plastic packaging on our shelves. There are some fantastic, compostable packaging alternatives available now, and sooner rather than later I’d like to see these alternatives replace all the plastic used on our food and other consumables.
Pictured: There are many good alternatives to plastic packaging, Andrea says.
Even better, we have some brilliant honesty boxes around the island. I love to get fresh produce as locally as possible. If we try and use home grown food where we can, we’ll save on air miles and the emissions that generates.
I would plant more community gardens/fruit trees, and encourage local people to become more involved in planting initiatives. We have some beautiful parks and gardens, but I would love to see more green spaces in Jersey, and to see them used in a way that would reduce carbon in the atmosphere and encourage more community gatherings.
Using our green spaces more would improve quality of life for all, and if as a community we could take some ownership of what is planted and how we use the spaces, it could have far-reaching benefits and regenerate some neglected places.
Pictured: Community gardens would be a good opportunity for creating produce for vulnerable islanders, according to Andrea.
If we had community gardens/fruit trees, then we could work together to grow and cultivate them, teaching our children how to cultivate the land but also helping to provide fresh produce for those in need.
Green spaces don’t just have to be parks and gardens, they could be roofs or walls. There is such a thing as the ‘power of green’. Plants on roof tops can cool buildings during the summer and provide insulation during the winter, reducing energy use. Trees also provide shade for buildings, reducing air and noise pollution.
We are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches and clear waters surrounding our island and I’d like to see children make the most of it and being as active as possible out on the waves. Swimming, kayaking, body boarding, and surfing are just some of the fun activities we are so lucky to have at hand.
Pictured: Andrea wants more islanders to get in the sea to help them better understand the importance of protecting it.
By getting out onto the water more, we can also help to develop our sense of how important our shores are from an environmental point of view. How we must protect and encourage marine life. We do a lot of work at St. George’s learning about the marine environment and inspiring our pupils to look after this precious resource.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not Bailiwick Express.
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