A total of 592 students, teachers, parents and experts took part in the school projects and campaigns in the town of Belitsa within the project “Changing with Climate”. We present you the initiatives implemented by the Secondary School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”. We would like to present to you the results of the activities carried out in the period from March to May this year.
Project “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy”
During several lessons students discussed the nature of alternative energy sources and energy efficiency. The students examined the advantages and disadvantages in using “green” energy. Ideas and suggestions for conserving finite energy sources by using alternative ones were mentioned. For example, renewable energies have the potential to at least partially replace conventional polluting energy sources (oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel), which increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
This is extremely important as the energy sector has a key impact on the climate and generates more than 74% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Project “Feasibility study for the construction of a bicycle path in the town of Belitsa”
The students showed considerable interest in cycling. They did a lot of research on the construction of bike lanes in Bulgaria and Europe.
Ideas were discussed with the help of specialists and subsequently a pilot project was formed. It was presented to the Mayor of Belitsa, who supported the proposal. Together with municipal specialists, possible routes were considered and selected.
On the proposal of the Mayor, the idea was submitted and voted by the Municipal Council and included in the Integrated Development Plan of the municipality.
Project “Green Home – Forest in the Sky”
Landscaping helps to protect against UV rays and extreme temperatures. According to reports, forests absorb about 7% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated each year across the European Union. Last year, the European Parliament supported an increase in the target for hydrogen capture in the land use and forestry sectors. This could be done, for example, by restoring natural ecosystems, planting new forests or halting deforestation.
The students from the Secondary School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” took part in a number of activities to show the importance of forests in reducing climate change.
A school eco-contest was organized in the form of an essay, drawing, poem, story related to the project theme – “Green Home – Forest in the Sky”.
An Earth Day exhibition was organized with most of the students’ entries.
Campaign “School public park and clean air in the working environment of the students of the Secondary School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius””
The idea of the campaign is aimed at reducing the effects of dust pollution on the urban environment due to the drought in the area.
Particulate matter, together with greenhouse gases, is an air pollutant. Limiting the emission of pollutants into the air will reduce the impact on climate change, but it will also have a beneficial effect to our health.
That is why the school community, with the assistance of the Municipality of Belitsa, has taken action to transform the space in front of the eastern part of the school building into a small urban park. Local shrubs, trees, herbs and other plants have been planted there.
This would improve the sustainable urban environment and provide additional opportunities for play, recreation and walks for young people. This small park is a great addition to the sports facilities on the school site, and those in the immediate vicinity.
