Climate change remains a global concern. Hence, Cambodia is striving to educate its youth to combat it and protect the environment.
EU ambassador to Cambodia George Edgar said during a field visit to Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces last week, that work to combat climate change is very important both internally and globally for the EU.
“We consider a response to climate change important. Human activity has an adverse effect on weather – meaning natural systems are also changing."
“In the [Paris] Agreement, governments pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their own countries and committed to adopting measures in accordance with current and future climate conditions,” he said.
Edgar suggested measures to reduce the impact of climate change, such as road construction methods to adapt to heavy rains or floods and reduce damage to infrastructure, and different agricultural methods which consume less water.
“We want existing natural resources to remain intact for the next generation. The government must take responsibility along with the individual.”
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport under secretary Chea Cheat said during the three years of the Metrey Environment School Project, the EU guided 10 schools in Svay Rieng province as first model schools in environmental protection and participation in global climate change prevention.
“All initiatives in the EU’s climate change prevention project are being taught in the ministry’s school programmes called ‘Earth and Environmental Studies’ in grades 10, 11 and 12,” he said.
“The Ministry is interested in the issue of climate change because it is a global issue. Climate change is mainly caused by human factors, so we must let mankind understand more to change mindsets to think and help the earth,” he said.
Hem Chan Seiha, a student at Kampong Samrong high school in Svay Rieng province’s Romduol district, said students understood the concepts of environmental protection and natural gardens.
“Students learn more about climate change adaptation and environmental protection. Some are able to classify waste, making compost fertilisers for biodiversity gardens which they grow on school grounds so that the school looks green and has natural vegetables to eat,” she said.
