The North East winner, Jack White of Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, successfully demonstrated how he would encourage behavioural change and tackle climate change. The St Robert of Newminster, Washington, pupil composed and performed a song about tackling climate change with his band Troubleshooter.
Gordon Brown congratulated the nine young people and wished them well in their roles as Climate Change Champions at a special event at Number 10, saying:
"Across the world in every continent and for years to come, we will all need to examine our own lives, make changes and reduce our carbon footprints.
"Our young people have a crucial role in bringing about this change. These young ambassadors are the decision-makers of the decades ahead, and I feel greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and passion of these young people. I congratulate them on their bold, creative ideas and their efforts so far, and I look forward to seeing them take action. Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change, said:
"Climate change needs to be tackled on every level and by everyone - governments, businesses and just as important by the commitment and action of all of us as individuals, right across the country.
"This individual action is a powerful force to be reckoned with and looking at England's new Climate Change Champions, I can certainly see why. These committed young people have a true desire to make a difference and I have no doubt they will each make a real and positive contribution to our fight against dangerous climate change."
Jack will take part in a climate change fact finding trip to the Netherlands, run his own climate change event and encourage behavioural change to reduce carbon footprints across the North East.
The North East runner up was Georgia Heron, 13, from Blakeston Secondary School in Stockton-on-Tees who wrote a comprehensive and fact-filled newsletter to educate readers about climate change and gave tips on what they could do to help.
