Food security and climate change Badge

FAO badgeWAGGGS and the FAO have developed a new Food Security and Climate Change Challenge Badge to make young people aware of the issues of environmental protection and food security and inspire them to be an active part of solving the problems.

The Badge curriculum is divided into three categories:

  • Our Climate: a selection of activities to help young people understand weather and climate
  • Our Food: activities to learn more about the consequences of our food and life-style choices on our planet
  • Our World: ideas to help your group carry out projects and programmes in your local communities

There are numerous activities you can take part in whilst doing the badge and taking action to counter climate change, including signing onto the “Unite for Climate” Portal  and the “Seal the Deal” campaign.

Age ranges

Next to each activity you will see a code, for example “Level 1 and 2”, which indicates the activity should be suitable for five to ten years old and eleven to fifteen years old. Please note that this coding is only indicative. You may well find that some activities at other levels are more suitable for your group or particular individual.

  • Level 1: 5 to 10
  • Level 2: 11 to 15
  • Level 3: 16 to 20  

Activities

  • Check the labels. Find out where your food comes from and which of the foods you eat travel the longest distances to reach your plate. What food takes the largest amount of energy and water to grow? Share this information with your family and friends and discuss what you can do to reduce the effect of your food on climate. For example, your family could try to buy local foods which don’t have any packaging. Choose products made closer to home, which were not transported long distances. Try to find out which products grow in which season in your area and where you can buy them fresh. It is healthier for you and better for the environment. If you buy foods out of season, these will have been flown or shipped from distant lands.
  • Reduce your climate change footprint. Consider how your daily life has an impact on your environment. How much energy, water and resources does it take to produce the things you eat, wear and use? Make a list of the ways how you can reduce the impact you have and the energy you use. Make a plan and follow your plan for a month. Then share your experience with your class, youth group or friends and encourage them to follow your example. How much did you manage to reduce your impact by? Where are you finding it hard to improve?
  • Start a community garden, a school garden or a rooftop garden or join others who are already doing that.

Climate facts

  • Climate change is a major challenge of our time: temperatures are growing, sea levels are rising, the Arctic is warming, methane is on the increase. GHG emissions have increased by 70 per cent between 1970 and 2004.
  • Girls and women will be most affected by climate change. It will increase poverty and hunger. Already, 1 billion people do not have enough to eat. Hunger and malnutrition cause immeasurable suffering to millions of families and result in poor health, lost learning potential, lost productivity and income. Food is so important for life and health that governments around the world have recognized that people have a right to food.

Useful links

Need help? Contact harriet@wagggsworld.org

Suggestions: If you have completed this activity, why not try ”The Right to Food: A Window on the World” cartoon book and activities that go with it.