At the Oxford University Museum of Natural History the Children’s Climate Challenge was the culmination of the CIAO! Ark Project’s work with children from Oxfordshire primary schools. Based on their work with scientists and artists over the past six months, they came up with specific targets for organisations to meet to reduce carbon emissions. Using a range of art forms and other presentations, the children inspired an audience of scientists, arts professionals, business people, councillors and others who were impressed by the children’s knowledge and passion. We look forward to seeing how well the organisations (below) that accepted these challenges do!

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School challenged Creative Junction to reduce their water footprint and suggested using hippos in toilets, to stop buying bottled water and to have showers instead of baths.

Church Cowley St James Church of England Primary School challenged Oxford Citizen’s Housing Association to increase habitats for wildlife and encourage biodiversity. All 3000 OCHA residents will receive packets of wildflower seeds and areas of land awaiting development will also be planted.

Dashwood community primary School challenged BBC Oxford listeners to ‘grow their own’. BBC Oxford launched the challenge on 26th June and are encouraging listeners to send in images of their plants and to contact BBC Oxford to get free seeds.

St Michaels Church of England Primary School challenged the Oxford Playhouse to increase their energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The children, as Energy Detectives, are going to visit the Playhouse and help staff identify where they can make a difference.

Wheatley Church of England Primary School challenged Science Oxford and Oxford Inspires’ staff to 1) Reduce paper waste 2) No plastic cups by water cooler 3) Increase bike riding, car sharing or bus use 4) Bring own sandwiches 5) Aim for two meat free days per week. 6) Home grown veg/fruit swap.

The Unicorn School challenged the Theatre Chipping Norton to reduce the amount of paper they used and wasted, recycle and reuse scrap paper.

Woodstock Church of England Primary School challenged Manches LLP solicitors to reduce their food waste, food miles and packaging.

Wolvercote Primary School challenged the SAE Institute Oxford to try and match the 11% emission reduction that the school has achieved this year.

Sandhills Community School challenged Oxfordshire County Council & Arts Council England South East to keep a record of positive actions that help the environment (green actions), and negative actions (grey actions) and to report back on those in 6 months time.

Willowcroft Community School challenged Oxford United to become a greener organisation in whatever ways they can! They explained why it matters to reduce energy emissions and water use to try and minimise the impacts of climate change.