Young people sought for environmental think tank

Schoolchildren can nominate themselves or be nominated by peers and teachers to sit on the think tank, which is called Our Planet, Our Say. It is run by the Generation Green programme, a British Gas-sponsored schools initiative to tackle climate change.

Entrants must send 100 words on what they have done to deserve a place on the panel to the Generation Green website.

Judges will select the top 20 young green campaigners. They will form a think tank to represent schoolchildren's views on climate change.

Research by Generation Green found that 87 per cent of the young people asked were concerned about climate change and 74 per cent felt that adults do not do enough to protect the environment.

Sarah Bowen, green co-ordinator for St Cadoc's school in Wales, who are members of Generation Green, has found that children are increasingly determined to take action about the environment.

She said: "Children are deeply worried about climate change, about animals and the future of the earth. Young campaigners are very confident with adults and they don't mince their words so people will listen."

The think tank will meet with environmental experts about green issues before presenting an action plan to schoolchildren and politicians.