James the Climate Champ

By Nathan Keeffe

 

On the first of July, a truly terrible thing happened. James, a twelve-year-old boy, was walking his dog Bobby in his hometown of Borough. On this day, he decided to go on a different route than usual. On this route he came across a large, towering factory, with thick black smoke, that surrounded you like night-time swallowing you whole. Bobby, who was only a small dog, started to cough. James was worried, so he rushed away from the thick black smoke, and headed for home, to get Bobby to cleaner, fresher air.

Once he got closer to home, he could see his mum unpacking the car, and his dad standing on the doorstep. Bobby was panting heavily, and James’s parents were worried. Once inside, James explained to his parents what he had seen, and how Bobby started coughing once they got close to the factory. His parents suggested a trip to the vets, to get Bobby checked over.

The vet was very concerned. “Bobby has poorly lungs, from the black smoke he has inhaled,” she told James and his parents. “He will need to stay overnight, to have medicine to make him better.” James was very upset that his best friend would not be at home that night.

When James got home, he used the computer to search about the factory. He found that the smoke the factory was producing contained carbon dioxide. He remembered being taught at school that this is a greenhouse gas, that is bad for the environment, causing climate change. James knew he had to do something. The next morning, he decided to write a letter to the local MP.

 

Dear MP,

I am writing this letter to inform you about a terrible occasion in my life. My dog Bobby has been taken ill because of the smoke the factory on Church Street is producing. I would like to request that something is done about this immediately because I am extremely upset about this. Please contact me ASAP, as this is very urgent.

Yours sincerely,

James.

 

Two days later Bobby was still in the vets, and still very sick.  James was feeling very lonely. Suddenly, the phone rang, inviting him to meet with the MP, Mr Clarke at two o’clock that afternoon, to discuss the matter.   

James arrived to meet the MP; James explained that he wanted to reduce the amount of smoke.  Mr Clarke said that he would give him a pass to enter the factory to talk with the owner, Mr Fletcher.

The next day, James went to the factory to meet with Mr Fletcher. The factory smoke was still thick, and it was getting harder to breathe the closer James got to the factory. He came to the large factory door and pushed it open, covering his hands in dirt from all the foggy smoke surrounding it. Mr Fletcher was a very tall man and had a voice that was deep as a tuba being played at its lowest note.  James asked Mr Fletcher if he could reduce the amount of smoke the factory was making, to help his dog Bobby, as there was too much carbon dioxide being released into the environment. Mr Fletcher shook his head. “I’m not letting it happen because we need to keep it running, so I don’t run out of money.” James was shocked and disappointed. He ran all the way home, with tears in his eyes. How could he not be able to stop something so bad. He went to his room to think hard about what his next move will be.

The next day, James had a new plan. He would get the whole neighbourhood involved. He made up leaflets, asking everyone to come and help him convince Mr Fletcher to reduce the amount of smoke being produced by the factory. He posted them, and within a day, everyone was happy to help. Straight away, James started writing on boards to make into signs for people to hold, telling the factory to stop polluting, and to start using renewable energy resources instead. After making the signs, James gave them out across the neighbourhood so that they would be able to start protesting. The following morning, super early, they all met up and marched towards the factory shouting, “stop polluting, use renewable energy, save our environment.” When they got to the factory, they stopped outside and started to shout louder. Eventually, Mr Fletcher came out to speak to James.

James said, “we want you to stop polluting and use renewable energy.”

“Can I still keep my factory open if I do.” replied Mr Fletcher.

“Yes,” James agreed, so Mr Fletcher and James shook hands and both said to each other, “it’s a deal.” The protesters cheered in delight.

After a week, James was overjoyed to finally have Bobby back home and feeling much better. Bobby went and picked up his lead with his mouth and took it to James. “You must be feeling better if you want to go on a walk,” said James. Bobby was wagging his tail in excitement. On their walk James decided to go past the factory, to see if Mr Fletcher was true to his word. As James got closer, he didn’t have to fight through thick black smoke, the air was finally clean. He could see Mr Fletcher, and Mr Fletcher saw James, they waved at each other and smiled. James could see lots of workmen, working hard building wind turbines, and solar panels, meaning an end to the factory producing carbon dioxide. This made him very happy, and even more, Bobby was finally able to have an enjoyable and healthy walk.