Zero Carbon Britain

The UN Paris Agreement states that humanity must reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of this century. This is a big shift, but we have no option other than to succeed if we are to avoid really dangerous climate change.

Since its inception in 2007, the Zero Carbon Britain project has offered the hard data and confidence required for visualising a future where we have risen to the demands of climate science. It has helped to reduce fear and misunderstandings and to open new, positive, solution-focused conversations.

In this workshop, pupils explore how we can reduce Britain’s carbon emissions to zero and think about what a zero carbon Britain would be like. This workshop enables pupils to develop their own vision of a sustainable future, and to find out more about the available technologies and skills that can make their vision a reality.

Key Info

• Duration 60 – 90 minutes
• Suitable for KS3 – A level
• Focus on sustainability and solutions to major global issues
• Cost £90 per session
• Maximum group size 20

Workshop Overview

What Happens?

Pupils are introduced to the major issues – climate change, fossil fuels, energy security, global equity. They are also reminded of the current UK government’s target to reduce C02 emissions by 80% by 2050. This poses the key question – what will Britain be like without carbon emissions?

Pupils explore the issues for different sectors, namely ‘the built environment’, ‘transport’, ‘agriculture’, ‘land use’, ‘energy’ and ‘goods’. The findings and what is needed to make their vision a reality are explored. This activity contributes to knowledge acquisition in science, technology and land use, while developing critical thinking, decision making and communication skills. Pupils are motivated and inspired to find out more and take ownership of sustainable futures.

The zero carbon trail on site allows pupils the opportunity to develop this thinking further.

Location

The activity takes place on the main site with the opportunity to extend it with the addition of the zero carbon trail across site.

Enrichment Activities

This activity can be enriched with the addition of workshops to further explore sustainable building and renewable energy.