Young superheroes from Billericay urge UK government to be Zero Heroes

Superheroes on Westminster Bridge

Billericay superheroes 10-year-olds play super part in climate change birthday event

Ten young superheroes from Billericay in Essex came to the Houses of Parliament yesterday, to celebrate the tenth birthday of the landmark Climate Change Act.

The ten-year-olds, from St Peter's Roman Catholic school in Billericay, donned their superhero capes and masks on Monday 26 November ahead of the international development charity CAFOD's new climate campaign.

They were asking the UK Government to be Zero Heroes - to be super heroes for the climate, so that when they reach adulthood, they can live in a world with cleaner water, fresher air, safer homes for all of us to share and enjoy.

Following on from a scientific report - the UN IPCC report- which said we only have 12 years left to put in the policy measures needed to avert an upcoming climate disaster, the children were calling for further urgent action by the UK to reduce greenhouse emissions to net zero and keep global temperature rises to a minimum.

Angela Sparke, a teacher from St Peter's, said: "The children who took part in the campaign were so tiny or not even born when the Climate Change Act was passed. In the next twelve years we have to solve the problem, as stated by the IPCC Report. In twelve years, the children who took part today will be finishing their university careers or going into the world of work. Environmental issues are very important to us as an eco-school, so we were very proud to take part. This is their future!"

Daniel Hale, Head of Campaigns, CAFOD, said: "The UK must continue to show global climate leadership as we mark the tenth birthday of the Climate Change Act. It was a milestone on the journey to a legally binding action. All of this came about because those in power listened to ordinary people with a vision for the future of their children and grandchildren.

"So, we urge the Government to be Zero Heroes and adopt a before-2050 net-zero emissions target.

"These ten-year olds like many others in Catholic communities across England and Wales echo Pope Francis' call to ensure that our actions leave a legacy that shows 'care for our common home'."

Find out more about CAFOD's campaign at cafod.org.uk/climate