Reflections on ROoT: A Letter from FEE CEO, Daniel Schaffer

In late December of 2021 I received an email from Dan Thompson:

“Dear Sir, Madam,

I’m contacting you as Director of One Run – a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in mass participation relays that change lives.”

Dan asked for a meeting to see if FEE could get involved in a relay run from COP 26 to COP 27 with the aim of promoting climate action.

Since then, much has happened. We at FEE, with the dedication, support and commitment of our incredible members and partners, have been completely immersed in getting the baton from one person to the next, all the way from Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh and with as little Co2 emissions as possible. Thousands upon thousands of runners, cyclists, sailors, school children, teachers, parents, representatives of national and regional governments, businesses, NGOs, media organisations and a very remarkable support team have made the incredible happen. Earlier this week, the baton finally arrived in Sharm El Sheikh and was officially received at COP 27 on Tuesday, November 8th.

The baton has brought with it a message to world leaders that calls for universal, quality climate education. Climate education must be recognised, resourced, and embedded in national curriculums. This is extremely important as we must ensure that everyone, both young and old, are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to deal with the challenges climate change is presenting. It is important because teachers need to be supported with the educational materials, the knowhow, and the time to provide good quality and science-based education in their classrooms. It is important because our communities and families must be engaged, informed, and committed to this cause and it is important that policy makers at all levels have the ability and are given the responsibility to make this happen. Let us hope that the message and the events we have organised to present it and discuss it at COP 27, is well received, understood, and translated into tangible actions by those who are responsible for doing so.

The relay itself holds another message that is just as important, if a bit more general. Running Out of Time is the world’s longest ever non-stop relay race. The relay baton travelled for 24 hours a day over 38 days and across 7,767 kilometres and 18 countries. The baton has successfully made this incredible journey in because so many people took action. The relay is truly a testament to what we can accomplish if we all do our part.

Climate change represents a huge and daunting challenge for humanity.  But if we all chip in, and make the necessary national and individual sacrifices, we will be able to make the change needed to reduce emissions to the levels set for us in the Paris agreement and replot our course to safer shores.

I strongly believed that FEE should not only contribute to Running Out of Time through the coordination and administration of our network and events, but that we should also devote some real sweat to the tremendous effort shared by so many. So, on behalf of FEE, I joined the sailing legs from Greece to Cyprus and from Cyprus to Israel, where I then cycled some of the stages. I met wonderful people along the way, made new friends, spoke to children and youth, and felt immensely proud of the efforts of all that were involved. But above all, I am proud of the organisation I am part of.  FEE’s President and Vice President, our Board of Directors, the FEE members, and their teams both on and off the route and my wonderful team mates at the FEE Head Office - all of whom have completely immersed themselves in this campaign from day one – you all went above and beyond to ensure that this baton not only arrived at COP 27 but that it did so delivering a call for climate education supported by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

I would like to thank incredible team behind The World Relay Ltd., the team from Carbon Copy, as well as our partners, the Office for Climate Education, the European Commission, UNESCO, NAAEE, and EarthDay Network. My sincerest thanks and gratitude for our FEE members along the route; Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Britain Tidy, GoodPlanet Belgium, the Eco-Schools, Green Key and Blue Flag teams from SME and KMVK in the Netherlands, FEE Germany, FEE Italy, Doves in Slovenia, LIJEPA NAŠA in Croatia, ECOM and the Bureau for Education Services in Montenegro, the Albanian Coast Lifeguards and Water Rescue Federation, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) Greece, CYMEPA in Cyprus and EcoOcean in Israel. And of course, to the many runners, cyclists, and thousands of Eco-Schools students and teachers from around the world who showed up and took action - we have all played our part and we all made it happen. Congratulations and thank you.

But in reality, the baton arriving in Sharm El Sheikh and all the discussions and events happening at COP 27 are only the start of this baton’s journey. Now starts the journey of making sure that the message of Running Out of Time is delivered and acted upon. We at FEE, through our five programmes and support from our global network of members, as well as many of our partners and others, will continue to create the mechanisms to deliver quality climate education, to advocate for the space and resources that are required to deliver it and monitor and evaluate the real progress and impact of these efforts. With that, I am passing on the baton to all of you with the hope that you will carry it far.       

Thank you,

Daniel Schaffer

CEO, Foundation for Environmental Education

Young Reporters on the Route: We Ran to Be Heard!

Text by Lucija Rotar, Young Reporter for the Environment, Slovenia

Photos and poster by Žiga Vaupotič, Young Repoter for the Environment, Slovenia

The high school of Jože Plečnik Ljubljana, located in the very center in the capitol of Slovenia, joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time. We decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so-called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive.

On the October 19th 2022 we joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time, which connects several European countries towards a common goal. In addition to the runners and students from the High school of Jože Plečnik, many teachers and experts have participated in the Running out of Time project, along with pupils from the Livada Elementary School and our beekeeper mentors, who contributed to the initiative with enthusiasm and joy.

Our green initiatives

We have been creating green initiatives at our school for many years now. Together we have created our school's urban roof garden seven years ago. Soon we have arranged the upper school terrace for a green shelter too. Last year, our school set up the first beehive on the terrace in order to contribute to the preservation of bees and to help increase biodiversity in the city by that. Bees teach us persistence, cooperation, exploration and coexistence. Our beekeeping slogan is "Learning with and from bees".

Running on the Bee Path

This is precisely why our team decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so - called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive. The first was on the terrace of our high school, next one at the replica of Plečnik’s beehive on Castle hill, third stop was at the Botanical Garden, next one to the beehive at the Livada Elementary School and the last one to the beehive in the garden of architect Jože Plečnik's house. Our students of differing classes visited these locations and gained some environmental based information about each stop.

Why bees?

"The bee is an indicator to the cleanliness of an environment, as it is one of the first to feel the changes in it, so bees should be seen as "environmentalists"... We should observe bees and follow in their lead, they will guide us in the direction of a clean and healthy environment, an environment that is perfect for both bees and humans." (Boštjan Noč, President of the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia).

A group of 3rd grade high schoolers wore yellow shirts to the Climate Run event as a part of International Running out of Time. Yellow colour symbolizes bees. They ran along a trail that encompasses the fly path our bees can take from their terrace beehive. In this way, we want to symbolically commit to their way of living. Doing so we would be able to understand the interrelation of a living being and nature, using bees as an example of a strong bond between the environment and a species. In this way we could become more responsible towards the nature surrounding us.

How we ran

We started our Climate Run with a short ceremony on the school terrace in the presence of the assistant principal and students. After a musical performance done by our two students and their mentor, the student council president presented the environmental initiative Running out of Time. The project is primarily intended to raise awareness among young people about climate change and to encourage them to make a significant contribution to the environment through their actions.

Runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana on the school rooftop, where the school beehive is located - the starting point of their Climate Run on the bee path.

Students ran through the city center – this is also where the RooT Climate Baton passed Ljubljana during the night.

Towards the Ljubljana Castle hill.

After the council president’s speech surrounding the Climate Run, we also presented the message of our school. Afterwards, our runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs, carried the climate Running Out of Time Baton along the Bee trail in the Municipality of Ljubljana. They ran from the school, through the streets of the old city centre and towards the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill, where the high school students of 3.D were already awaiting them. After the Climate message was read, the runners continued their journey towards their next point, while the other students and their mentor listened to the lecturer Aleš Süssinger from the Barje Bee Association, who shed light on the importance of beekeeping and our renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Last year, Mr. Aleš led the beekeeping club at our high school, where students learned about the beekeeping profession, bees, and the importance of both on our environment.

The architect Jože Plečnik, who designed this apiary, also holds great significance, not only for our high school, after whom it is named, but also for Ljubljana and Slovenia as a whole. By designing the beehives, he substantially elevated this part of our Slovenian cultural identity and beautifully connected both art and our national cultural heritage.

In front of the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill.

The runners continued along the Bee path towards the Botanical garden. There they were awaited by the high school students of class 3.A and their mentor. Before the arrival of the runners, an expert of botany introduced them to the role of plant pollinators and their influence on the stability of ecosystems. Established in 1810, the Ljubljana Botanical Garden is Slovenia's oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution operating uninterruptedly since its foundation. The route then led the runners to the apiary at Livada Elementary School.

Runners and classmates in front of the beehive in the Botanical Garden.

A welcome by the 3rd grade students and their teacher. At the apiary, two beekeepers talked to the youth about the role of bees and their goods. They also prepared medenjaki (honey biscuits) and honey lemonade for everyone to enjoy.

The runners also stopped at Plečnik's house in Trnovo, where they saw the beehive in the architect's garden. From there, they continued running all the way to the finish line. Participating runners showed perseverance and collective spirit from the start and all the way to the finish line on this 11 km route. The safety of the running team was ensured by two teachers of sport who accompanied them on bicycles.

A beehive in front of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik house.

I can contribute too

I am happy that I contributed to the project myself, as I created the logo that was printed on the runners' T-shirts. Since our school is known for our bees, also called ‘šubelce’ (a portmanteau of the word ‘čebelice’, meaning bees and the word ‘šuba’, a shortened version of our high school's name), I decided to depict bees, surrounding a hive on the logo. The beehive has a very simple shape, which is why it is easily recognisable, so I thought it would be appropriate as the background of the logo. The bees are also supposed to symbolize us, the students, who work hard and achieve a desired goal through our combined efforts. I also found this symbol appropriate for the Running out of Time project.

I always try to participate in projects that inspire young people with nature and teach them how to preserve our Earth, as it is something that I am deeply interested in it. The same applies to the entire class of 3.A, of which I am a part of it. We are trying to understand the causes of climate change and find ways with which each of us could contribute at least a little to reducing these problems. Since we are a science-focused class, there is an emphasis on subjects like biology, physics and chemistry from which we are able to better understand the world we live in. This is also a reason why we often help with various ecological projects that need young people to develop new ideas in which could help build a greener future.

We are aware that we represent the next generation that will have to face these problems head-on. We will contribute to solving and inventing better technologies that would be able to change the situation on our planet for the better.

We, young people, are worried about the future and find it difficult to bear such a large burden of saving our environment. As teenagers, we often face feelings of hopelessness and think that we cannot change much on our planet, even so, we must try and keep ourselves grounded and logical as well as realize that even the smallest step of achievements help to improve the state of our Earth.

At the same time, we must not be blinded by false optimism, we must remain realistic but maintain hope, as overwhelming pessimism hinders our ability to fix these problems.

Humans have an innate quality that makes us more inclined to react to bad news, it is also easier for us to remember past negative events and experiences. That is why news and mass media today in general catastrophizes problems that make us feel dejected and hopeless. The same also occurs with climate change, because its consequences are incredibly severe, we feel like there is no end to the struggle with problems of for example deforestation, water shortages, increased temperatures, unpredictable weather ... the consequences of global warming just don't stop.

But we must have hope and believe that we can change things for the better. Education plays an important role and we want every child to have an opportunity to better understand our planet. Educated people know the severity of the problems from global warming and this is already the first step towards change in our proper environmental acting. As a global community we must fight against these problems, or else the consequences are going to become even more grave.

However, we must be aware that as individuals we cannot do much, which is why projects like Running out of Time are so important. If more of us stand up to these problems, we cannot be easily silenced. That is why I believe that working together is our greatest tool for amplifying our voices. One voice is weak, but we can hear a crowd with ease.

The route of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana – Bee path.

Poster of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana.

Lucija and Žiga

Lucija and Žiga are both students and Young Reporters for the Environment at the High School of Jože Plečnik, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The High School of Jože Plečnik is an Eco-School that organized this additional 'Bee Path' as part of the Running Out of Time relay that closely connected the beehives and noteworthy attractions of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik (whom the school is namer after. A primary school, beekeepers and classmates also participated. Lucija and another student Nik Koprivec will be attending a UNESCO Youth Session titled “Youth Demand Quality Climate Education: Outcome of Global Survey” on the 15th of November at COP 27. Register for this event here.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: Climate Run At The Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection

By Luka Skok and Mark Filip Mlakar, Young Reporters for the Environment, Slovenia

The Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center joined the largest international event called "Running Out of Time - RooT 2022" as part of the Ecoschool program in the autumn with a common goal: to take action for the climate, against climate change, to preserve biotic diversity and natural resources.

Thousands of runners, cyclists and sailors were preparing for the record relay. During the 7.767 kilometer track, through 18 countries, including Slovenia, they will hand over the baton containing the climate message of young people to world leaders at the United Nations conference on climate change.

Invitation to the 1st climate run of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection.

The Climate Relay began its journey in Glasgow, Scotland at the end of September and will conclude on 6 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, when the Climate Conference begins.

In order to mark this event at the school, the 1st climate run took place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The organizers of the event were: students Mark Filip Mlakar and Luka Skok from class 4. b and mentors Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan and Slavica Volčanjšek.

As part of the Climate Run Running Out of Time, several accompanying activities took place at the school:

Making a baton with a climate message

Each class made their own baton with a climate message. Civil engineers made a baton from waste construction material, and environmentalists from various waste materials. The sticks had to be 30 cm in length and 5-7 cm in diameter. After use, the rods could be reused, recycled or thermally exhausted.

The students, together with their classmates, were very original and creative in their work. As a result, as many as 15 batons were created, made from various waste materials, and there were just as many very interesting climate messages.

From among all the relay batons and climate messages, the expert committee (consisting of professors and students) then chose the best relay baton and the best climate message of our school. For this purpose, together with the company BAMF, the school produced very special awards for this occasion.

Each class made their own baton with a climate message.

Opening and awarding the best relay baton

The climate run started with the opening in front of the Celje School Center. After the opening words of student Mark Filip Mlakar from 4. b class about the importance of this international event related to climate change and the preservation of biotic diversity, the award for the best relay baton followed. It was awarded to class 3. e, as they put a lot of effort and creativity into making the stick. The prize - a trophy, was made in the school workshops under the mentorship of Andrej Hrastnik, which was then awarded by the school principal, Mr. Arnold Ledl.

Opening of the climate run in front of the Celje School Center, SŠGVO.

Students from the 3. e class with the principal receiving the award for making the best relay baton.

Climate run and award ceremony

We ran along the Savinja river embankment. The route was about 1,5 km long. Each class appointed 4 representatives who ran the relay race with their baton. The other students and professors followed the runners along the way with loud cheers. With persistence, all the runners, including some professors, successfully completed the course, thus demonstrating their enthusiasm for environmental preservation. The fastest relay was from the 3. b class, and thus they received the prize in the end. In addition to the prize for 1st place in the relay race, the students from 3. b class also received the prize for the most imaginative climate message: »REUSE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN AND SPARE THE ANIMALS!«.

Highlights from the climate run along the Savinja embankment:

The students from 3. b class ran the fastest in the 1st climate relay race of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection and also received a prize for the most imaginative climate message.

Preparation of a video contribution about the course of the 1st climate run at the Secondary school of Civing Engineering and Environmental Protection at the Celje School Center

Preparing an exhibition in the school corridor

The next day, in the school hallway, we prepared an exhibition about the course of the climate run and the made relay batons.

Exhibition in the school hallway.

At the school, in cooperation with the company BAMF, we made very special awards for this occasion.

Preparation of posters about the course of the 1st climate run at SŠGVO, ŠC Celje.

Viewing the documentary films “Climate Change – The Facts| and “The Climate Planet”

As part of the accompanying activities of the event, on Thursday, October 27. 2022, part of the school day was spent a little differently. We watched two documentaries.

An English film directed by Serena Davies, Climate Change: The Facts was commissioned by the BBC and directed by Sir David Attenborough. The film is an in-depth review of scientific theories about climate change.

Jesper Theilgaard's Danish film The Climate Planet shows how our climate depends on a complex balance.

The screening of the films was organized by the Maribor Ecological and Cultural Society for a Better World in cooperation with the EPEKA ASSOCIATION, SO.P., the Slovenian coordinator of EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal.

By watching these films, we also participated in the EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal project (EU Youth Cinema: ENERGY AND CLIMATE), which is implemented in several European countries. It primarily appeals to young film audiences. With carefully selected films, it aims to contribute to the evaluation and understanding of the Green Deal of the European Union.

Publication in the media

Throughout the course of the celebration of "Running Out of Time" event, we published it on the school's website:

• 1st climate run at SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-na-ssgvo/

• Climate run SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-ssgvo/

About Luka and Mark

Luka and Mark are both in year 4. b at the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center in Slovenia. Their mentors for this project are Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan in Slavica Volčanjšek. Both Luka and Mark attended the YEEC (Youth Environmental Education Congress) in Prague in March 2022.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: The Climate Relay in The Slovenian Capital Carried By The Team Of The First Green Flag Awarded FEE Eco-Campus

By Kristina Mihelič at Gimnazija Ledina, Young Reporter for the Environment, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana - the capitol of the Republic of Slovenia - welcomed the climate baton of the largest and longest international climate initiative "Running Out of Time" on the 18th and 19th of October, 2022. The baton arrived at park Tivoli near city center before midnight on 18th of October 2022 in hands of the British Ambasador to the Republic of Slovenia, Mrs. Tiffany Sadler. It was taken over by the team of the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana, the first Green Flag awarded faculty (FEE Eco-Campus) in Slovenia.

Stojan Kostanjevec, Urška Lamovec and Nejc Kavka, runners from the Faculty of Education, took two stages: first, they ran 5 km from Park Tivoli to the Faculty of Education. From there, they took the baton through the city center, passing Three bridges, Ljubljana castle and other monuments. After 12 kilometres, they arrived to Lavrica where they handed the baton to cyclist Luka Štrubelj from the company Gen.

Stojan Kostanjevec, Urška Lamovšek and Nejc Kavka with the baton in front of the Faculty for Education in Ljubljana.

At the Faculty of Education, Stojan Kostanjevec is a member of the Commission for International Cooperation, department coordinator for exchange and international cooperation, coordinator of the Eco-Committee, he also contributes its valuable knowledge and shares experiences in the Eco-Schools program in the implementation of the project »Hrana ni za tjavendan« (“No Waste Food”). He also participated in the project “We Eat Responsibly”. His biggest motivation for participating in the Running out of Time is the desire to be enable to run, cycle and sail in a healthy and clean environment in the future, and therefore we must keep it that way.

Baton in Slovenia carried by the president and the Ministry for the Environment

Baton taken over by the Faculty of Education team from Mrs. Tiffany Sadler, the British Ambassador in Slovenia.

The baton arrived to Slovenia in a small town Volčja Draga on Tuesday, October 18 in the evening. It was welcomed by the team of the Ministry for the Environment and Spatial Planning, including the Minister, Mr. Uroš Brežan, the Secretary general Mr.  Uroš Vajgl, State Secretary, responsible for the environment, Maja Kostanjšek, Head of Minister Office at the ministry, Tina Hočevar from the Environmental Affairs and Climate Change Office and Tina Kobilšek, Head of Climate change division. They handed the baton to Polona Razgoršek and Ema Kotnik, coordinators for kindergartens in the Eco-Schools program in Slovenia.

The climate baton in Slovenia took 245 kilometres, split to 23 stages. It passed through Ljubljana, Vrhnika, Grosuplje, Ivančna Gorica, Trebnje, Mirna Peč and Novo mesto. On the last three stages, the baton was carried by Borut Pahor, the president of the Republic of Slovenia, the teams of the U. S. Embassy, Slovene Forest Fund and company GEN. On three locations: Kostanjevica na Krki, Leskovec pri Krškem and Krško, special ceremonies were prepared including more than 1.000 pupils from primary schools including more than 1,000 pupils.

Stojan Kostanjevec and Nejc Kavka in front of France Prešeren (Slovene poet) monument in Ljubljana (Slovene capitol) center.

Urška Lamovec from Faculty of Education, Ljubljana, taking over the baton from Tiffany Sadler, The British Ambassador in Slovenia.

Gimnazija Ledina joined 36,000 youngsters all over Slovenia on school climate actions day

Stages of the relay run by the team of the Faculty of Education, the first Green Flag awarded faculty in Slovenia (FEE Eco-Campus).

During the climate relay in Slovenia, school or local climate days were organized by Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment members in which 36,000 children and young people from all parts of Slovenia participated. On the 19th of October, the students of Gimnazija Ledina also ran with our own baton to the Ljubljana Castle and Tabor during sport lessons. Together, we added up all the meters to the baton and marked that special climate actions day in Slovenia.

 The biggest and the longest climate relay carrying a message to COP27

The common goal of all participating countries in the initiative “Running out of Time” is to take action against climate change, for the preservation of biodiversity and natural resources. It is a relay with a climate message, supported and signed by thousands of young people and their companions. It takes 38 days on a 7,767 km long route through 18 countries while running, cycling and sailing.

The relay started on September 30, 2022 in Glasgow, where 3,000 children accompanied it on its way. From there, the baton carrying the youth message about climate change travels over 732 stages, passing through the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus , Israel and Egypt - and will arrive in Sharm-el Sheikh on November 6, 2022, when the COP27 Climate Conference begins.

About Kristina

Kristina is in her fourth (last) grade of secondary school Gimnazija Ledina, located in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. She is actively involved in the whole-school initiative “Green Ledina” intended to encourage students to seek for sustainable solutions and take sustainable actions in their school and everyday life. She is a part of the Eco-Schools and YRE teams. In March 2022, she actively participated in the YEEC (Youth Environmental Education Congress) in Prague.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: What Climate Change Means for Montenegro

By Dmitriy Churin, Young Reporter for the Environment, Montenegro

When I read international news articles on environmental issues, I often notice how the debate surrounding climate change fails to reflect the complexity of its actual and predicted damage. Some of the most talked about pieces of research either discuss the broad global implications of climate change or focus on the selected set of attention-grabbing countries. As a result, dozens of less extreme, “less spectacular” stories never receive the proper attention. In an attempt to combat this trend, I endeavor to highlight the effects of climate change on Montenegro — a small country in the Western Balkans that I call my home.

Port of Budva during storm, courtesy of Miroslav Churin.

According to Montenegro's 3rd national report on climate change (released in 2020), the mean annual temperatures are projected to keep steadily increasing all across the country over the course of the 21st century, whereas the mean annual rainfall is expected to decrease by 20% by 2070 (Landau 24). Considering that Montenegro is often noted for its vulnerability to droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves, the warmer and drier weather is likely to lead to more frequent and more severe extreme weather events (Landau 24). In fact, the frequency of droughts has already increased compared to the 1990s, while the wildfires of the 2010s were some of the most destructive on record (Landau 24).

But what do such climate-related incidents lead to? The drought of 2011 vividly exemplifies the wide range of negative short-term and long-term impacts that extreme weather can have. The drought led to abnormally low streamflow in rivers and low water levels in lakes in the Zeta-Bjelopavlići region which, due to Montenegro’s reliance on domestically produced hydroelectric power, resulted in the unpredicted rise in energy prices and the prospects of energy insecurity (Landau 24; Novaković). Furthermore, the decreased volume of water in rivers and lakes, including Lake Skadar, threatened populations of fish and insects that depend on habitats offered by aquatic environments (Novaković). In addition, ecosystems were at risk from anthropogenic pollution due to the smaller amount of water to dilute harmful substances (Novaković).

As the drought of 2011 illustrated, the climate-induced increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is destructive to both local ecosystems and human communities. However, smaller countries like Montenegro are at even greater risk since they have fewer resources to accurately predict the consequences of climate change and adequately adapt to these new challenges (Landau 24-25).

Works Cited

Landau, Seth, et al. MONTENEGRO THIRD NATIONAL COMMUNICATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme in Montenegro, 2020.

Novaković, Milica. “Osim Poskupljenja Struje, Suša Dovodi i Do Problema u Prirodi.” Vijesti.me, Vijesti, 20 Nov. 2011, https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/drustvo/339579/osim-poskupljenja-struje-susa-dovodi-i-do-problema-u-prirodi.

About Dmitriy

Dmitriy Churin is an aspiring filmmaker and activist. His film portfolio includes both documentary and narrative short films. In 2020, his short documentary film about municipal waste problems in Montenegro won the national competition of Young Reporters for the Environment and was among the finalists of the international competition. In 2021, Dmitriy became a Young European Ambassador (YEA) in Montenegro — a member of the non-political network of activists supported by the European Union to promote intercultural understanding and cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. Dmitriy's work as a YEA focuses on how film and art can make our societies more open, democratic, diverse, and ecologically sustainable. In 2022, Dmitriy was selected as one of GAIA Fellow.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Montenegro, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, ECOM.

Young Reporters on the Route: Day 2 with Eco-Schools Wallace Hall Academy and Applegarth Primary School in Scotland!

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

Display showing Eco-Schools activities at Wallace Hall Academy.

The second day of the Running Out of Time Relay event the weather turned to the better. Wallace Hall Academy was the first school where the baton would be handed over. Although it was a Saturday, Wallace Hall Academy was buzzing with excitement. Staff, students, and members of the community were gathered in front of the school with handmade banners to cheer the runners on. Infront of the school was a display showing all the amazing eco-work the students had and were working on. They had covered great work on many of the Eco-Schools topics!

When Jasmin Paris came around the corner running with the baton in her hand everyone was cheering and waving their banners! Even the sun came out from behind the clouds to welcome the runner. She entrusted the baton to Tom and Emily, who were accompanied by Hooley, the dog.

Jasmin’s journey had started in Kirkconnel, Sanquhar and now 26 km later she had arrived in Thornhill. Jasmin had put 26km of the total 7,767 km on her name. Jasmin is an eager hill runner and loves the outdoor. Nature makes her happy, it is a place where she can relax and find peace. She finds it important that everyone is aware of how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. Participating in the Running Out of Time relay event allowed her to help raise awareness of the importance and need of quality environmental education for all.

Even ponies took part in the relay!

Applegarth Primary School in Lockerbie an active Eco-School with a beautiful outdoor space and outdoor classroom was the next hand-over point. As at Wallace Hall Academy, staff, pupils and members of the community crowed near Applegarth Primary School. There were even two ponies and rider and a pony with carriage to welcome runner James, who had taken over the baton from Tom, Emily, and Hooley the dog and to support Mike in the next part of the relay! As James came insight, the ponies joined his side. He handed over the baton to Mike, who was going to cover the next 32 kilometres by bicycle. Mike mounted his bicycle and with the ponies on his side cycled into the distance!

John speaking with Mike, one of the members of the support crew.

Mike is a keen cyclist, who loves a challenge. He already had over 500 miles cycling on his name for 2022. Cycling gives him a sense of freedom. The freedom to be one with nature. Nature gives him the opportunity to explore and experience all his senses and clear his mind. His encouragement to participate in the Running Out of Time relay event was raise the awareness of world leaders to provide good environmental education for everyone.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Young Reporters on the Route: The Launch of Running Out of Time

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

This was my first event to join as a Young Reporter of the Environment (YRE). I was nervous but I did it. I had the privilege to be part of the start of the amazing ‘Running Out of Time’ non-stop relay event (ROoT) and to meet some wonderful people, who are dedicating their time and efforts to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the importance of quality environmental education.

The non-stop ROoT relay is going from Glasgow, Scotland to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt through 18 different countries covering 7,767 km (4,826 miles) over land and sea. The runners, cyclist, rowers, and sailors will carry a baton.  The baton symbolises the 18 countries it will be visiting and calling for the need for and importance of quality environmental education for everyone all around the world.

The wild weather of Scotland showed its tricks on the start day of the ‘Running Out of Time’ relay event. So, the ROoT relay event that was planned to start at the Glasgow Green was moved to Sunnyside Primary School. The school was bursting with enthusiasm, pupils and staff of Sunnyside Primary School were all very excited and proud to be the start location of the ‘Running Out of Time’ Relay. There were cameras crews, photographers, and reporters to capture the whole event from start to finish. There were the designers from C4 Design, who had designed the stunning baton. A masterpiece that will carry the message of the need of quality environmental education.

Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) were also at the event to strengthen the message of the need of quality environmental education. I had the privilege to interview Lesley Jones and Barry Fisher.

Lesley Jones is President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Lesley lives in Cardiff, Wales. When I asked her, “How does the Environment makes you feel,” a lovely smile appeared on her face, like she could see herself walking her dogs in the beautiful Wales country site. She loves being outdoors doing the gardening in her garden. Working in the garden and getting your hands dirty can help to increase your serotonin levels.

She sees her garden as an important aspect in thriving eco-systems. Her work at FEE involves supporting her teams to design programmes so everyone can access quality environmental education to become aware how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. FEE gives access to fascinating and supportive programmes, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters of the Environment, LEAF, Blue Flag, and Green Key.

My next interview was with Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), a charity with the vision to encourage a Clean, Green, Sustainable Scotland.

Barry lives in Scotland with his family, and they just moved house. He added that they are insulating their home as best a possible to reduce the carbon footprint. Barry and his family work as a team so they all do the most to contribute to the solutions of climate change. They also do their best no to purchases single use plastic (refusing), to minimise their waste (reduce), and to recycle their waste (recycle).  Their garden is a heaven for pollinators. They are also growing trees to enhance air quality and storing carbon. He loves his work at KSB as it provides solutions to challenges. The charity can tailor solutions by working with schools, communities, and businesses.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Running Out of Time Makes a Stop in Italy

The Relay for The Fight Against Climate Change Arrives in Jesolo With The Message to the World Leaders Meeting at COP27

Paralympic athlete Roberto Bellingardo receiving the Running Out of Time relay baton in Jesolo, Italy on October 18th.

Running Out of Time, is a 7,767 km non-stop relay organized by the World Relay Ltd. in partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Carbon Copy, and with the support of UNESCO. The relay made a stop this morning in Jesolo, Italy to raise awareness of the fight against climate change.

The baton carries the message for those world leaders, who from the 7th of November will be gathered in Egypt for COP27. The baton was received by Roberto Bellingardo, the Jesolo marathoner who competed as a disabled athlete among able-bodied athletes, the mayor of the city of Jesolo Christofer De Zotti, local authorities, and FEE Italy President Claudio Mazza.

More than 150 children attended the event, representing the schools of the municipality, all of which are part of the global Eco-Schools programme, FEE's international Education for Sustainable Development programme which engages over 20 million students.

Students of all ages read messages of commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, against climate change.

Eco-Schools students stand with the mayor of Jesolo and FEE Italy President.

Eco-Schools students await the arrival of the relay baton in Jesolo, Italy.

"This very long race, which is crossing Europe to reach Sharm el-Sheikh on the occasion of the next COP27 meeting,” said Mayor Christofer De Zotti, “Takes on a crucial message for the entire planet - our time is running out. We must act now to ensure an inclusive and sustainable future for all. And Jesolo is one of the sounding boards through which this message is spread. The Jesolo Community is doing its part.”

"Education plays a crucial role in climate action, to overcome the challenges that our planet must face. We talk every day about ecological transition, but first we need to train young citizens to respect the environment and to build a sustainable society, bearing in mind that they will be the future decision makers. Today's relay carries an important message that will be delivered at COP27 and represents a highly symbolic moment of local awareness of the territories it passes through.” said the President of FEE Italy Claudio Mazza.

The relay, divided into 10 km long non-stop stages, is the longest ever attempted with runners, cyclists, and sailors. It kicked off from Glasgow, home of COP26, on September 30th and spans 18 countries to inspire and support local climate action: Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt. It will end in Sharm el-Sheikh on 6 November 2022, for the start of COP27 which will take place from 7 to 18 November 2022.

FEE Italy designated Jesolo as a stage of the relay, since the city has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for Beaches and Landing for 18 years and all its schools implement the international Eco-Schools programme.

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Universalization of Quality Climate Education

Where are we and where do we go from here? 

#HelpUsGetThere

10th October I 15:00-16:30 CEST

We are Running Out of Time.

Quality climate education is critical if we are to equip people of all ages with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a future in which all can thrive. 

Young people need to be recognised as leaders, placed at the forefront of the conversation about climate change and empowered through education. 

We are calling on the world’s leaders to provide us with the skills and training to build a sustainable world. 

Our world is warming and to keep the increase to 1.5 degrees, we need forward thinking, consistent policies and funding to help us reach Net Zero Emissions. 

We are committed to help build a future that is inclusive and sustainable for all. 

Show by your actions, not just words, that you are too. 

Help us get there! 

This is the message that will be sealed in the Running Out of Time baton on the 30th of September in Glasgow, Scotland and carried by thousands of runners, cyclists, and sailors through 18 countries to decision-makers at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.  

In this webinar, you will hear from leading organisations and departments in the field of climate change education, including UN agencies, ministries, and global NGOs. You will learn about the many efforts already being taken to secure universal climate education – and the obstacles we still need to overcome. 

Speakers

Pramod Kumar Sharma - Senior Director of Education, Foundation for Environmental Education

Deirdre Hodson - Policy Officer, School Education Policy, European Commission

Won Jung Byon - Programme Specialist, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO

Ewurasi Nnadozie - Head of International, Comms and Events, Sustainability and Climate Change Unit, UK Department of Education

Fleur Newman - Unit Lead, Action for Climate Empowerment, UNFCCC

Kathleen Rogers - President, Earthday.org

Registration 

Climate change affects us all, meaning that this webinar is relevant to everyone! 500 people will be able to join online. Secure your spot here:  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The webinar will also be livestreamed on YouTube.