Ron Dearing UTC student Emma Giblin has been shortlisted in a regional competition to inspire sustainable solutions to climate change.
Marketing Humber’s The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge asks students aged 9 to 18 to make a positive impact on local and wider communities and the environment.
It is part of The Waterline campaign, which is leading the region’s drive to a net zero economy.
Year 11 student Emma, 16, designed a mural highlighting flood risk and the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on Hull, showing the moment the tidal barrier breaks due to the sheer volume of water.
She has now been named as one of the six finalists in the competition.
The six finalist teams or individuals will receive £250 and a VIP behind-the-scenes business experience. Overall winners will receive an additional £2,000 for their school or college eco project or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Mathematics (STEAM) club, plus a trip to Norway.
Sarah Pashley, Principal of Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Congratulations to Emma on this fantastic achievement.
“She has used her talent to highlight the very real impact of climate change through her mural and I’m delighted she’s been recognised by being named as a finalist.
“The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge is a wonderful competition and I wish Emma the best of luck in the final judging stages.”
Ron Dearing UTC sixth form students Catherine Crees and Jaden Taylor scooped the top prize in the competition last year for their carbon calculator project.
Their project helped students and staff offset their carbon footprints by walking or cycling to school, rather than using other modes of transport, which led to their peers and teachers changing their travel habits and the need for the school’s bike shed to be expanded.
Their winning idea secured them a trip to speak at a fringe event of the global United Nations (UN) climate change conference COP26, held in Glasgow.
Catherine and Jaden were also awarded £2,000 towards their wider eco project to plant a tree for every Ron Dearing UTC student past, present and future in Hull city centre.
Alicia Woodward, Marketing and Communications Executive at Marketing Humber, said: “I have been so impressed by the entries received this year.
“The enthusiasm shown by the students, paired with such a range of brilliant and creative ideas to help combat climate change, has been inspiring.”
The competition winners will be announced at The Waterline Summit 2022 in October.