12/03/2008

A climate-conscious North East MP is to go back to school to learn more about the weather and impact of climate change.

Doug Henderson, MP for Newcastle North, is to join pupils at Gosforth High School, Newcastle upon Tyne, for a geography lesson during National Science and Engineering Week, where he will find out more about an international environmental education initiative set up by Al Gore in 1995, which is supported by Northumbrian Water.

The water company is providing 85 schools across the region with a free, automated weather station and associated training, at a cost of £100,000, through the Northumbrian Water GLOBE project.

Reporters and photographers are invited to Gosforth High School at 11.15am on Friday, March 14, 2008 to talk to pupils, Doug Henderson MP, Northumbrian Water representatives and see a Northumbrian Water GLOBE weather station and how weather data is recorded. 

Students at Gosforth High School can now collect local weather data and record this online. The programme is integrated into the National Curriculum, providing practical opportunities to increase skills in Science, Geography, Maths, I.C.T and Citizenship. Data is gathered and recorded in a standardised way so results from around the world are directly comparable. The data is used by Northumbrian Water, the Met Office, NASA, scientists and other schools around the world.

Doug Henderson MP said: “Climate change is an important political issue. I argue internationally for progressive environmental decisions and set an example domestically, so it is great to see a school in my constituency gathering important weather data that will improve future forecasting.”

John Mowbray, Northumbrian Water’s Director of Corporate Affairs said: “Not only has the GLOBE project been a fantastic opportunity for us to enhance the education of pupils in the communities we serve, it has also put Northumbrian Water in the world spotlight to respond to climate change.

“By strategically placing the weather stations throughout the region, we have improved weather data available to Northumbrian Water, helping us to understand the impact changing rainfall patterns have on our sewerage network.”

More information on the GLOBE project can be found at http://www.nwl.co.uk/3926.aspx.

National Science and Engineering Week runs from Friday March 7, 2008 to Sunday March 16, 2008. It is co-ordinated by the British Association for the Advancement of Science and is an opportunity for people of all ages, areas and organisations to take part in science, engineering and technology activities.

For further information please contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.