Written by Aaditiya M, Year 12 (Student at St George’s International School, Luxembourg)

On 26th October, our school officially signed the School Climate Pledge, committing to drastically reduce our emissions with the goal of net-zero – a monumental undertaking that is contributing to the wellbeing of not just us, but future generations.

St George's produces enough CO2 emissions in one year to fill 600 basketball courts (600 tonnes), which was demonstrated by students in Years 5 and 6 through their provocative and entertaining trailer for the pledge.

Fig 1. St George’s student display the space occupied by 1 tonne of CO2 emissions 

The enthusiasm shown by these students, not only in their personal pledges to make our society more sustainable, but in their musical performance too is an indicator of the direction in which our school is going. By educating and inspiring students from a young age to take part in such events and giving students a chance to quiz and learn from leading diplomats in the field, St George's is ensuring that all students are mindful of the consequences of their actions on the environment.

The same enthusiasm was shown all the way through to the oldest year groups, with the Year 13 drama students writing a devised play for the pledge. The play, while being extremely entertaining, was thought provoking, highlighting how the decisions we make daily can have a great impact on our environment. Both the Luxembourgish Environment Minister and the British Ambassador spoke passionately of their hopes for COP26 and their aims for negotiations, while answering a host of questions from students.

Fig 2. St George’s Students speaking to Her Excellency the British Ambassador, Ms Fleur Thomas and Luxembourg’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, Madame Carole Dieschbourg 

The event was one of promise, and was truly inspiring for the attendees, motivating them to strive towards a world which is truly carbon neutral. Read more here. Check out the picture gallery here.

Luxembourg Media Coverage

https://chronicle.lu/category/primary-secondary-schools/38135-st-georges-implements-climate-pledge-to-make-school-more-sustainable

https://delano.lu/article/st-george-s-commits-to-more-su

St George's School Climate Pledge 

We have the power in our school and local community to make a positive difference to climate change. ​

​We will use our actions and voices, to bring about change. We will lead and encourage others to work with us to: ​

1.   Cut school emissions to net zero ​

2.   Support and promote biodiversity ​

3.   Be smart with our resources and reduce, reuse, recycle ​