The trip enabled the nine young ambassadors to witness the impacts of climate change on a low lying country and see the adaptation techniques used in the Netherlands first hand.
Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said:
"The expedition is essential for all the Climate Change Champions and it's a fantastic way for them to start their year in office.
"This first hand experience shows how countries all over the world are feeling the impact of climate change and it provides the Champions with excellent case studies of how communities are adapting and what we can all do to make a difference."
Jack, of Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, said:
"This trip has been the most inspirational four days of my life. I can 't wait to help others with what I have learnt."
During the visit the Climate Change Champions:
- Completed a fact-finding hunt across Amsterdam;
- Met Frans Timmermans, Dutch Minister for Europe and the British Ambassador in a Climate Change special reception;
- Saw a high-tech solar powered car and heard how it was developed;
- Visited Madurodam, a miniature Holland complete with dams, dykes and examples of water management;
- Sailed to Q7 Wind Park to see wind turbines in action on the North Sea;
- Heard how landscapes shaped by industrial development can be revitalised and used again;
- Toured a specially designed Energy Park and Gewoonboot which enables inhabitants to be zero carbon and sustainable.
