In the photo, Natalie Michaud, C.I.EAU’s scientific animation project manager, with Catherine Henderson, spiritual life and community engagement animator at Saint-Maxime high school, as part of Laval’s Commitment Week 2022.
Article written by Natalie Michaud, C.I.EAU scientific animation project manager
Across the province, students are more aware than ever of the climate emergency. Initiatives to raise awareness and encourage action are being undertaken in schools, while organizations such as C.I.EAU are seeking to equip the next generation to improve the fate of water, a crucial component of the environment.
Young people are not ready to face the climate crisis and its repercussions
According to studies, 90% of young people between the ages of 12 and 18 in Quebec are concerned about climate change, yet the subject is seldom discussed in the classroom [1]. The variability of content and the lack of coherence with the current state of the planet are proving insufficient to adequately train young citizens in this issue. Quebec’s Minister of Education himself takes a “hard look” at the current system [1]. It’s clear that the next generation needs to be taught about this major phenomenon.
Motivation at school
Green committees enable young people to get involved in their schools by offering activities that help them learn about the environment. This organization encourages them to take concrete action to combat climate change.
During Laval Commitment Week, we spoke with Catherine Henderson, Spiritual Life and Community Involvement Facilitator at Saint-Maxime High School, to find out more about the issues and activities being implemented by the school’s Green Committee. Ms Henderson reveals that these activities are very popular with young people, who take part enthusiastically, and that “it’s not just the greenies who come!
Among these activities, the committee presented a drinking water kiosk to inform about the quality of tap water compared to bottled water, as well as a “Recycling Race” to test students’ knowledge of waste sorting.
The manager also informs us that young people who are already environmentally aware are encouraged to pursue their commitment through educational outings.
C.I.EAU’s range of teaching resources focuses on water, a resource that is inextricably linked to environmental issues.
Over the next century, global warming will have a major impact on the water cycle. For the Greater Montreal region and for southern Quebec with its humid climate, this means that the water cycle will tend to accelerate [2], leading to an increase in extreme weather events, such as droughts, precipitation and floods. These climate changes will influence the way we live in the near future, with repercussions for the economy, housing, health and safety of individuals and communities [3]. In some localities, the availability and quality of water will become a crucial issue.
The Centre d’interprétation de l’eau is a water museum specializing in water education. Our organization aims to raise young people’s awareness of water conservation through educational activities that appeal to all age groups. For example, the Fantastik’eau! educational kit for primary school children and families is available free online. Its slogan, “J’aime l’eau, j’en prends soin” (“I love water, I take care of it”) is designed to encourage people to preserve this precious resource. Other activities are offered to schools to help them understand water treatment, encourage responsible consumption of water resources and raise awareness of water protection issues.
C.I.EAU will also soon be launching its program Generation Actionprogram, where young people will be able to choose missions to take action for the climate. Sign up to participate and stay tuned for the big announcement!
Sources
[2] Global warming accelerates the water cycle (futura-sciences.com)
[3] Impacts of climate change | Government of Quebec (quebec.ca)