Last Tuesday we had a visitor to the Forest Hill College science rooms. Greg Combet, the Minister assisting the Minister on Climate Change, came to the College to discuss Climate Change with our students. The Minister wished to answer questions and listen to concerns our students have in regards to climate change and energy.
Thirty-seven eager students attended the session, many of whom were keen to listen to Mr Combet discuss climate change, along with others who had prepared some excellent questions to put to him. Ms Longthorp and her Year 9 class had carried out some research and prepared questions for the visit, along with many other interested students at the College who were keen to have their say directly to a politician who closely contributes to the decisions being made surrounding climate change within the government.
Myrene wanted to know more about alternative energy sources; Koivi and Aroya were concerned that all the time and energy being spent on th
e climate change is a waste because in reality there is little that can be done.
On the other hand, Damien posed the question about why risk not doing anything when it was the time for action rather than discussion. Ryan wanted to know how much the carbon trading system was going to cost “normal” people and Jade asked about where the money raised from the scheme would be spent. Finally Vinh asked about what the new government is planning.
Eventually, after College Captain Jade had thanked the Minister for coming, it was time to wrap up the afternoon. Students responded positively to the session, saying that it was an interesting and informative session. Some of the discussion on the economics was difficult to understand but Mr Combet endeavoured to explain it in simple terms. I was very impressed by the students’ sincerity in the effort they went to prepare questions and their attentive manner.
Text and photos courtesy of Nerilee Rinkquest, Science Co-ordinator.
