STUDENTS at Monmouth School for Girls participated in a global protest against climate change on Friday (February 15).

Inspired by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg – whose speeches at the World Economic Forum and the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference made international headlines – around 60 Monmouth pupils called on the government to declare a climate emergency and take active steps to tackle the problems associated with climate change.

The Eco Committee, actively supported by the school, co-ordinated the rally during the lunch break.

Some pupils carried home-made placards to get their message across.

Across the country, thousands of young people took part in the Youth Strike 4 Climate protest to highlight how much they care about the world and their future.

And at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, hundreds of children and staff are working together to cut the amount of plastic they use.

Schemes include the introduction of refillable water bottles and new packed lunches for sporting fixtures.

Together with 'eco-assemblies' and competitions, such schemes have increased awareness among the schools’ community.

Monmouth School for Girls and Monmouth School Girls’ Prep have supported the town of Monmouth in achieving Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Town status.

Nick Meek, head of geography and Eco Committee co-ordinator at Monmouth School for Girls, will receive a certificate at a plastic-free celebration, organised by the Plastic Free Monmouth Steering Group, on February 22.