AS WALES Climate Week 2024 comes to a close, Carmarthenshire County Council celebrates the efforts of local students who actively contributed to climate awareness and action throughout the week. Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, attended events at schools across the county, highlighting the important role of young people in building a sustainable future for Wales.
The week began with the Good Life Schools Programme at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth, where students engaged in thoughtful discussions on climate change and sustainability. A BBC film crew was present to document the event, with the students’ insights set to feature on S4C’s Newyddion Ni. This program highlighted the dedication of Carmarthenshire’s youth, who are actively working to incorporate climate-conscious practices within their communities.
On Wednesday, representatives from local schools presented their ‘Climate and Nature Manifesto’ (2024-26) to the full Council, sharing ideas for a more sustainable Carmarthenshire. Their proposals, which ranged from expanding green spaces to improving waste reduction efforts, demonstrated the importance of collaboration between local authorities and communities.
On Thursday, pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant led a sustainability discussion with Cllr Vaughan Owen and offered a tour of their outdoor learning area, which includes productive growing zones that integrate environmental care with everyday learning. The students shared ideas for broadening sustainability efforts across schools and engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session with Cllr Vaughan Owen, underscoring the value of practical environmental education.
As Wales Climate Week 2024 concludes, Carmarthenshire County Council looks forward to continued collaboration with schools, local organisations, and communities to drive climate action, inspired by the leadership and passion of Carmarthenshire’s young people.
Reflecting on the week, Cllr Vaughan Owen said: “The engagement I’ve seen from our young people this week has been inspiring. Their ideas and actions show a genuine commitment to addressing climate challenges. With this generation at the forefront, I am optimistic about our journey toward a more sustainable future for Wales.”
