Nancy Wang (12), Natalie Holton (12), Charlotte Lane (12), and Natalia Zernicka-Glover (12), from Cambridge, produced, filmed and starred in a short film as part of their submission to the ‘Have your say on sustainability’ competition, in which they shared their thoughts focusing on deforestation.
The winning group, pupils at Stephen Perse Foundation, travelled by Eurostar to visit the European Parliament in Brussels to claim their prize: the unique opportunity to present their views on the environment to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The event was attended by a MEPs, including Lucy Anderson MEP, who hosted the event. View a short video on the winners' experience here
Nancy, winner, said: “We really wanted to show what we felt as children because we want to make an impact on the environment as well. And I really enjoyed seeing all the different places in Brussels that we went to!”
Lucy Anderson, MEP, said: "It was a pleasure to hear from such talented and passionate young people, who’s wining ideas on a range of issues showcased their high level of knowledge on climate change. All the MEPs that attended were impressed with their confidence and maturity, and we will definitely take account of their innovative suggestions for action in our work on this critical issue.”
Luke Ervine, Head of Environment and Energy at Eurostar said: “Working with the YPTE allows us to offer young people the chance to share their views with some of Europe’s key decision makers, and we had a great group of confident young people with us today. Their passion to protect our planet has been a real inspiration, and we’re proud to give them a voice in the European Parliament.”
Peter Littlewood, Director, Young People’s Trust for the Environment said: “It was great to give another group of young and enthusiastic people the chance to share their ideas in Europe. This is the third year we have run the competition and we always aim to identify the most environmentally aware young people in the UK. Once again, the response from the MEPs shows how well the winners delivered their ideas.”
The ‘Have your say on sustainability’ competition is part of an ongoing partnership between Eurostar and the YPTE to support free accessible education on the environment. This forms part of Eurostar’s Tread Lightly programme of initiatives, designed to reduce the business’ impact on the environment and encourage consumers – both young and old - to think differently about the way they travel.
About Eurostar
· Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon, the French Alps, Swiss Alps and Geneva.
· Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.
· Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
· Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.
About The Young People’s Trust for the Environment
The Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) is a registered charity that was established in 1982. Its aim is to create a better future by inspiring young people to look after our world. The Trust offers free educational services to schools and young people, including competitions and award schemes, free talks and presentations in schools and a free online information service for teachers and young people via its website www.ypte.org.uk
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For more information, please contact the Eurostar Press Office on 0207 843 5500 [email protected]
For more information on the Young People’s Trust for the Environment visit www.ypte.org.uk