CAP’s Energy Saving & Efficiency Workshop for Teachers at SMK Convent Butterworth
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) successfully held its second Energy Saving and Efficiency Workshop for teachers on 22 June 2024, at SMK Convent Butterworth. We had 60 dedicated teachers from 18 schools from all 3 districts in Seberang Perai joining us. The goal was to equip these teachers with valuable knowledge and practical skills to save energy and teach their students about climate change.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a reality we live with today. We are witnessing more frequent and severe weather events such as floods and droughts. Rising temperatures are leading to the melting of polar ice caps, causing sea levels to rise and threatening coastal communities. Additionally, changing weather patterns are disrupting agriculture, leading to food insecurity and higher prices. These are just a few of the negative effects of climate change that we are currently suffering.
Energy consumption plays a significant role in contributing to climate change. Our electricity is mostly generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, creating a greenhouse effect that leads to global warming. As the Earth’s temperature rises, it disrupts weather systems and ecosystems causing the adverse effects we are experiencing today.
Mr Khou Jerome, Chair of the Penang Green Educators Workgroup (GREW) and a teacher at SJKC Union, Penang was our guest speaker. Jerome has been active in Education for Sustainable Development since 2015 and last year he represented Malaysia at the Climate Change Education Seminar in Paris organised by the UNESCO Office of Climate Change.
Jerome shared his knowledge of imparting climate education to children. He engaged the teachers with a game that demonstrated the effects of greenhouse gases. He emphasised the importance of teaching students to read electricity bills and understand their energy consumption. By calculating kilowatt usage and the corresponding carbon footprint, students can become more aware of their environmental impact. Jerome suggested ways to integrate climate education in various subjects and curricula.
During the workshop, CAP also launched its latest publication, a booklet titled “Save Energy”, available in 4 languages: Malay, English, Mandarin, and Tamil. This booklet provides practical tips and benefits of energy saving, details on energy conservation and efficiency, and explains the contribution of energy and electricity consumption to the climate crisis.
Let’s work together towards a greener, more sustainable future for the next generation.
#SaveEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableConsumption #ClimateChange #ClimateEducation