A Long Eaton school pupil is urging action on climate change and has co-written a book about how to make a difference – which is on sale in bookstores across the UK.
The book, Changing the Climate, has been penned by The Long Eaton School pupil Jamie Hawker, 14, with his mum Debbie and dad David.
In the book, which is on sale from booksellers including Waterstones and Blackwells, Jamie has provided tips as to how people can reduce their own carbon footprint and contribute to an overall lowering in CO2 emissions.
Picture shows: Jamie Hawker with his book Changing Climate Change, co-written with his parents.
In each chapter Jamie’s tips are arranged in order with those he considers the easiest first and the hardest last – with more than 130 in total.
Jamie, who is currently studying for his GCSEs including geography, history and music, has provided tips which include things like recycling and eating less red meat, and he himself has made a commitment not to fly in aeroplanes again.
Jamie said: “When I was around nine or ten, I first learned about climate change at school. I learned about the science of it all: how the ice caps were melting, temperatures were rising and weather was becoming more extreme. I knew it was a problem, but I didn’t do anything about it for the next couple of years.
“In 2018, research was done which calculated that if global carbon emissions weren’t reduced by 2030, climate change would become irreversible from damaging the Earth. When I heard about this, it became the first time I considered climate change a major issue. As did my parents.
“The reason I care so much about stopping it is because I don’t want a world badly changed by climate change. It’s not a myth. There’s evidence it’s really happening. And the world will go into a kind of dystopia if we do nothing.”
The Hawker family are members of their local Methodist church and the book is intended as a resource for churches and families. It shows how passages from the Bible can be applied to the climate emergency.
He said: “I was a bit nervous about the book coming out at first, but I’m glad now because I think people will read it. I’m pleased with the book and I’m glad that people are choosing from my tips to do things about climate change now.
“There is still hope. I’m sure a lot of people are starting to wake up and start to realise how bad things are and will try to take action like recycling.”
Jamie’s parents have donated a copy of their book to Long Eaton School, saying their son had used his learning from many different subjects such as English and Geography to write it during the lockdown of 2020.
Head teacher Richard Peel said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Jamie and this is a very informative book. Climate change is a serious issue that we cover in many different subjects at school.
“As Jamie says there is hope for the future if we all do our bit and make commitments to reduce our own carbon footprint – it’s certainly what we endeavour to do as a school.
“I hope that people will find this book useful, and we’re extremely impressed with Jamie for writing so many great tips on fighting climate change. That shows fantastic commitment for a person of his age.”
Photo: shows Jamie Hawker with the book, Changing the Climate, outside Long Eaton School
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For more information, please contact Sarah Newton at Penguin PR on 07974 502764, or [email protected]
