Youngsters will be able to take on the climate change challenge thanks to a new interactive ‘Net Zero’ game at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and museum in Widnes.
Year 6 pupils at Lunt’s Heath Primary School in Widnes were the first to test run the Net Zero exhibit, made possible by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), an alliance representing over 30 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward a hydrogen economy in the region. They attended a launch event with Cllr Gill Wood, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency & Renewable Energy at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The three-level, fun-filled game teaches all ages about the ways in which we can help tackle the climate challenge and deliver a net zero future. It takes players on a journey from reliance on fossil fuels and gas to a greener future in 2050 where hydrogen is used to power industry, fuel our cars and heat our homes. The game is based on the North West and some of the projects anticipated to be delivered in the region over the coming years, including carbon capture and storage beneath Liverpool Bay as part of HyNet North West.
Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:
“Young people understand the simple fact that climate change is a massive risk to society and that we must make as many changes as we can to tackle it. We’ve got to empower the young generations to have a passion for delivering a greener future and equip them with knowledge of how that can happen. Our fantastic Catalyst exhibition brings that to life in way that is both educational and fun. “When it comes to hydrogen, there’ll be so many opportunities and jobs in the North West as we roll it out as a clean energy source. The children visiting the museum now could be the ones taking up these skilled roles in the future and we hope the new exhibit inspires them to think about a career in net zero.”
The donation from the NWHA follows swiftly on from COP26, the UN climate change conference, held in Glasgow. The North West has ambitions to become the UK’s first net zero region by 2040, with the rollout of hydrogen being a key contributor to reducing emissions.
Cllr Gill Wood, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency & Renewable Energy at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:
“The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was the first combined authority to declare a climate emergency and then put in place ambitious targets to become net zero. It’s fantastic to have this facility that gets children really thinking about the decisions and investment needed to reach our climate change goals. Hydrogen will play such a significant role in our low carbon future and will really transform the green opportunities for those in school now. Our young people today will be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, so it’s great to see them so enthused about tackling the climate change challenge.”
Catalyst features a range of interactive exhibits that bring subjects to life from Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology to the Humanities and Geography. The centre is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday every week.
Martin Pearson, Catalyst CEO, said:
“It was fantastic to see the next generation of Scientists engaging with our new interactive ‘Net Zero’ exhibit sponsored by the North West Hydrogen Alliance. The companies that make up the alliance will work together to ensure the Hydrogen economy grows in the North West of England building a sustainable future, reducing our carbon impact and creating jobs for the future. Catalyst is proud to play its part in the Science Communication of this important technology in a fun and educational way.”
Find out more about visiting Catalyst at: https://www.catalyst.org.uk/
Discover further information about the work of the North West Hydrogen Alliance at: https://www.nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk/