Parliament Prize 2024: What were young people saying about the environment

This year more than 180 young people made the environment the focus of their member's statement, answering the question 'What would they say to parliament if they were an MP?' We've compiled a summary of what they spoke about, representing the most popular environmental themes and issues highlighted by participants in this year's competition. They provide an interesting insight into the issues young people are thinking about and, more importantly, talking about. 

Pollution and waste management

• Plastic pollution, including the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and wildlife.
• Better waste management infrastructure, including more bins, more waste collection services, and recycling programs.

Deforestation, Tree Planting, and Habitat Destruction

• Habitat destruction, including the impacts of urban sprawl and industrial development on natural ecosystems.
• Reforestation and tree planting, including tree planting in rural and urban settings to enhance green spaces, improve air quality, and create habitats.
• Deforestation and its impact, including concerns over the loss of forests due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and logging. 

Climate change and renewable energy        

• Climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a need for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
• Education and advocacy strategies, including supporting individuals to take action by reducing energy consumption or supporting renewable energy.
• Bushfires and extreme weather, including better preparedness and prevention strategies to mitigate risks posed by extreme weather events.

Wildlife protection and biodiversity     

• Endangered species and habitat protection, including increasing efforts to protect critical habitats, such as forests, wetlands and coral reefs.
• Conservation initiatives, including creating wildlife sanctuaries, implementing stricter protections for endangered species, and enhancing conservation programs.
• Urban wildlife and green spaces, including increasing the presence of native wildlife by creating more green spaces and wildlife-friendly environments.

Water quality and conservation

• Water pollution, improving the quality of water in rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water by addressing pollution from industrial runoff and agricultural practices.
• Flood protection, including better flood management and protection.

Sustainability practices and education         

• Sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of plantation forests for wood and reducing the environmental impact of farming.
• Education and community engagement, including integrating environmental education into the curriculum and public campaigns about sustainability issues.

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