Tell Your Climate Story – The First Step to Reducing Vinser’s “Carbon Footprint”

On November 2, 2024, at Vinschool Smart City Primary School, the final round of the “Tell Your Climate Story” competition for the Western Hanoi schools cluster took place with an enthusiastic and lively atmosphere. Representing approximately 6,000 Vinsers with 510 submissions, the final round featured 10 projects by 20 contestants from five Vinschool campuses: Gardenia, Green Bay, Metropolis, Thang Long, and Smart City.

With diverse presentation formats such as the “Talk show” from Gardenia News, a detailed research project on clean energy use by Vinschool Thang Long, and storytelling involving three polar bear brothers by Vinschool Smart City, the Vinsers showcased their unique perspectives, creative ideas, and sense of responsibility towards the reality of Vietnam being recognized as one of the most severely affected countries by climate change.

Two special guests, who were also members of the judging panel, included Ms. Jessica Nga Tran, Clime Capital’s country manager for Vietnam and member of the International Delegation to the COP29 (29th UN Climate Change Conference), and Mr. Ly Phat Viet Linh, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist at UNICEF Viet Nam. Both were highly impressed and captivated by the confidence and persuasive presentations of the Vinsers.

Speaking to parents and students at the competition, Ms. Jessica Nga Tran stated: Vietnam’s national goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. She believes that Vietnam can significantly reduce its “carbon footprint” and become a climate-adaptive nation if all Vinsers are inspired by the “Tell Your Climate Story” competition to turn ideas into practical actions. She encouraged each Vinser to take action starting today, with the smallest steps such as not wasting food, planting trees, or developing habits of avoiding plastic waste disposal. “Be proactive in shaping the world and choose to make this journey a part of your life!” she said.

Mr. Ly Phat Viet Linh delivered a profound message: “To combat climate change and aim for the most sustainable development, the best approach is through education, and this should be done as early as possible. This action requires the participation of everyone because all change starts with individuals.”

At the end of the competition, two entries from Vinschool Gardenia won the prestigious first-place trophy and a second-place award. Vinschool Thang Long and the host, Vinschool Smart City, both secured a second-place and a third-place award. The remaining two third-place awards and two consolation prizes were given to Vinschool Green Bay and Vinschool Metropolis.

The “Tell Your Climate Story” competition provided students an opportunity to practice presentation skills, conduct initial research, and present information in a scientific and profound manner about climate change issues. The organizers hope that the students’ insights will inspire the community to take collective action towards a sustainable and green future.

“Carbon footprint” is a term used to describe the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the production and use of industrial products or services. These emissions have negative impacts on human health and contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.