The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), in collaboration with the Environmental Resource Management Department, hosted Grade 7 learners from various schools last week for a climate change awareness programme – amplifying some of the theoretical aspects they’ve learnt in the classroom.

The programme sees learners spend the day in one of the city’s nature reserves, learning more about climate change, its impact on weather patterns and the environment and what they can do to help mitigate the risks.

The week kicked off with learners from Leiden Primary School in Delft visiting the Edith Stephens Nature Reserve.

Their excursion was followed by:

Steenberg Primary School visiting Rondevlei Nature Reserve

Chuma Primary School (Khayelitsha) spending the day at Helderberg Nature Reserve

Kenmere Primary School (Kensington) at the Helderberg Nature Reserve

Park View Primary School (Atlantis) at Witzands  Nature Reserve.

The programme included topics such as how our actions affect the environment, deforestation, pollution, invasive species, biodiversity and ecosystems, as hazards and risks emanating from climate change like raised sea levels, flooding, droughts and heat waves.

Learners also had the opportunity to participate in environmental games.

‘It is increasingly important that we all develop a better understanding of how our  relationship with the environment impacts on our own lives, but also the general health and well-being of our planet. With that knowledge, we can improve our planning to address the risk of real life disasters, and who better to champion this cause, than our future leaders? I have no doubt that the groups who participated in the programme will become ambassadors who fly the flag on the importance of staving off climate change, but also how to be more resilient against the ever growing risk of disasters. ‘The timing of this outdoor classroom adventure is perfect, as it comes just weeks before the disaster management community marks International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, on 13 October,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Source: City Of Cape Town