Promise Leaves and a film of pledges directed by Nobel Algarve British International School students are being exhibited at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, where they will be seen by some of the world’s top decision-makers.
The WWF Tree of Promises will be on display to United Nations’ delegates between October 31 and November 12 in the Bluezone. This zone will be the scene of historic negotiations between those with the power to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Pledges filmed by students from three international schools belonging to Globeducate, including Nobel Algarve, about changes they will make to ensure a positive impact on the future of the planet are also being played in the same zone.
“The students were very happy to have the opportunity to express their concerns about the environment,” Science and Biology teacher Rita Farropo said. “It was a chance for them to rethink some of their routines and find ways through which they can live a more sustainable life. They felt empowered for being able to convey their message directly to world leaders.”
A certified Eco-School since 2016, Nobel Algarve strives to maintain its Green Flag status.
This year alone, almost 400sqm of solar panels were installed at the Lagoa campus, to help power the school, as were several refill water fountains. More ambitious ideas and goals were recently discussed at the first Eco-School Council of the 2021-22 school year.
Nobel Algarve Head of School Abi Lewis echoes the words of Greta Thunberg, saying: “It is never too late to take action against climate change.
“As a school, we support the COP26 where world leaders and negotiators come together to accelerate the goals of the Paris Agreement and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. At Nobel Algarve, we are proud of our Eco credentials – it is encouraging to see the world unite to tackle climate change and we empower our students to unite to shape the world.”
Over the last two years, the Globeducate network of more than 50 international schools has taken concerted steps towards addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030.
Through various initiatives, including a partnership with WWF, the group endeavours to keep sustainability high on the education agenda and continuously improve its schools’ environmental performances.
Oanh Crouch, Education Director of Globeducate, works closely with WWF Education and said: “Nobel Algarve continues to embrace initiatives such as these and is an influential leader in our group of schools on sustainability education. The Education Team at the WWF have been similarly impressed with the students’ commitment to climate change and the UN Sustainable Goals.”
