A SOUTH Essex teacher passionate about youngsters having knowledge of the impact of climate change has been recognised as a leading voice on the subject

Paul Hunt, of The Appleton School, is one of the first teachers in the country to be named a United Nations accredited climate change teacher.

He will deliver up-to-date climate change lessons to pupils at the school in Benfleet.

Paul said it was a great honour.

Mr Hunt, subject leader for geography at the school, said: “Climate change is an important process that students need to understand and engage with.

“While climate change features in our key stage three GCSE and A-Level geography curriculum, it is vital that students see climate change as not just something to learn about and revise for an exam, as climate change will shape how they lead their lives in the future.

“By undertaking the UN course, I have had access to the most up-to-date research-based knowledge, enabling me to equip students with the knowledge to make informed choices in the future.

“The students will be better informed to make changes to their lifestyles, for example thinking about their energy supplier, considering the impact of always upgrading a mobile phone, and considering how their future lives can be more sustainable.

“I will talk about recycling. We have recycling bins in our classrooms. Also about how students use paper, can it be reused instead of thrown away for example.”

The rest of the school has joined in congratulating Mr Hunt on his recognition.

The UN climate change teacher academy is being delivered by Harwood Education, in partnership with the One United Nations Climate Change Learning Partnership.

Teachers be able to teach their pupils vital lessons about climate change and will also earn continuing professional development and certification from the United Nations.

The programme was launched on April 22 and is free for primary and secondary teachers.