Planet Earth: Over the limit?

If everyone in the world consumed natural resources and generated CO2 at the same rate as UK citizens, we would need more than 3 planets.  
How can we make more responsible use of the earth's natural resources?

Information is interpreted data. Statisticians interpret data. Information is knowledge. We need knowledge to make decisions. Statistics is a life skill.

Without analysing and interpreting data, we cannot identify solutions, take action, measure progress and ensure targets have been reached.

The RSS's new 'Planet Earth' project is working with KS3, 4 and 5 students of Mathematics and Statistics and other subjects in which statistics are used i.e. Geography, the Sciences and Social Sciences, to look beneath the headlines,  develop a greater understanding of the data behind Sustainability, and to propose evidence-based action to tackle one of the most complex and pressing problems facing us today.

Working with young people - the successor generation - we develop their statistical problem solving skills. We keep them focused on clarifying the problem, collecting and then intepreting data, identifying solutions, taking action and making sure that their plans are kept on track and their progress monitored. Bringing human use of natural resources down to sustainable limits will require a huge collective effort. By focusing on action we can take at the individual, community, region and country level, we turn what can sometimes seem a huge issue in the face of which we are powerless, into one which we can all address in a positive, practical, targeted and measurable way. 

Our events - which comprise a quiz, interactive presentations and  led break-out exercises in which students take on the role of decision-maker, lead to final end-of-day presentations of findings and solutions.

Petitioning Copenhagen (all power to his pedals....)

John Shrouder's work in designing the materials, engaging Crickhowell High School (CHS) and in making local contacts in Wales has been central to getting this project off the ground. His enthusiasm and energy are not dwindling and he cycled to the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit to deliver CHS's petition for action, developed during our recent conference at the school.