TWO pupils from the International School of Cape Town have been selected as Cartoon Network Climate Change Champions, giving them the tools to take action and fight against climate change.
The campaign sets out to inspire children to take on small challenges that can make a world of difference to the health of the planet.
Buhle Grinker-Easton and Jonathan Main were among four children from the entire African continent to have been selected.
For Grinker-Easton, 12, her passion for the environment started at a tender age when she saw people littering.
“Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns on earth. It is a global problem. As the environment changes it is expected to result in poor air quality, an increase in water borne diseases, more heat stress, and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents. The environment needs to be looked after because all life on earth will be affected if we don’t. From a young age children should be taught about climate change,’’ she said.
Jonathan Main, 11, said he is honoured to be part of the campaign and wants society to stand together in looking after the environment.
“I was quite surprised to be chosen for this project and was even surprised to become a possible candidate for this project. Now a lot of people walk up to me and say ‘Hey! That’s the guy from Cartoon Network!’. We need to conserve and look after our environment because quite frankly, without it, humans would die. We eat the animals and plants that grow and drink the water from the rivers and dams. It also provides us with shelter and the energy that humans need everyday,” he said.
Main added that he wants to promote renewable products.
Their teacher Rene Fahrenfort says she's proud of the students as they consistently work hard to try and improve the environment for everyone.
“This campaign in which the children are involved started when I was selected as one of two South African Ambassadors to what is known as the Climate Action Project (CAP). It was the first time that the International School of Cape Town joined two and a half million children and young people around the world, in taking practical steps towards improving our Environment.
“It also fills me with confidence in the future as our young people are starting to do rather than talk about making positive changes. So I am extremely proud of Buhle and Jonathan as they consistently work very hard,” she said.