Students from schools across Barking and Dagenham have met with Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of the Council, to share their views on climate change.



The pupils from Barking Abbey, Sydney Russell and Robert Clack schools raised concerns about the number of cars on the borough’s streets and fly-tipping in parks and open spaces.



They also learned about the steps being taken by the council to tackle problems like pollution and littering. Such actions include the maximum allowable fines for fly-tipping, plans for an e-Bike network and our new recycling campaign.



When surveyed, the students unanimously agreed that climate change is a major threat to their future, noting that adults are risking their future by not acting now.



One student noted: “It really seems like adults don’t care because it won’t affect them. But it’s about our future, not theirs and it’s really selfish.”



Councillor Darren Rodwell said: “These young people are inspiring, and they will see that the environment is top of the agenda, challenging outdated views. We’re working hard to play our part as a council, but we all need to do our bit to tackle climate change.

 

“That can mean anything from driving less and walking more through to making sure we’re aware of what we can recycle and where. We know our residents care about this, with recycling rates shooting up when we expanded our programme to include glass and other common items. That’s not the full story though.

 

 “We need to act now to tackle climate change. Unpredictable weather will get more common, and we've seen what that can mean in our borough. There have also been examples of young Londoners dying from air pollution.

 

“We need to create a cleaner, greener borough for our children and grandchildren. I would urge all residents to listen to our borough's young people and act now.”

The council is planning a Young People Climate Summit in March, which is open to all schools in the borough.