A call for young leaders to help our school become ‘deforestation free’

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School was a hub of ‘eco-inspiration’ as Nichola James, a Deforestation Free Communities Campaign Officer for Size Of Wales, shared the urgency of saving tropical rainforests.

More than 35 pupils gathered for Nichola’s lunchtime talk, learning about the world’s tropical forests; home to half of all animal and plant species and vital stores of carbon, essential to tacking climate change.

The information was presented to pupils in an interesting and thoughtful manner, as teaching about the carbon cycle is not the easiest thing to do! Nichola’s engaging talk exposed the hidden cost of everyday products like soya, coffee, palm oil, and cocoa, linking our consumption to deforestation.

Nichola pointed out: “every day, without realising, we are eating our way through the tropical rainforests. Much of the food we eat contains ingredients that are leading to deforestation.”

Nicola concluded her talk by highlighting some simple solutions to tackle this issue, including sustainable, fair trade and locally sourced products. There was a call for young passionate leaders to get involved in a project to help our school to become ‘deforestation free’.

A number of inspired pupils signed up, more information on this project to follow later this term.

Further lunchtime talks are planned this year including a visit by Nick Critchley from the Wye Valley Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.