Climate changes in the world and Latvia have become an undisputable fact, which affect our everyday life. It causes natural disasters in many places around the world bringing about disastrous consequences. In this context it is very important to realize how sources of energy used affect the environment we live in. By burning them CO2 is released in the air, which decreases the ozone layer and facilitates global warming. Therefore it is important to use renewable energy resources such as biomass,the sun, the wind, water and others. It can and already is being done in Latvia. You can find out more at a seminar “A–Energy” for teachers of geography and physics on November 25 at 11.00 at the Ministry of the Environment in Riga, 25 Peldu Street, in the hall on the fourth floor.

During the day teachers will find out more about the influence of fossil fuels on the climate and its change, alternative forms of energy, which, when used, can reduce the level of CO2 being released. Fossil fuels – oil, coal and gas, have formed over a long period of time and are not renewable, therefore it is necessary to think about using new sources of energy.

Teachers will receive an “A-Energy” DVD and a brochure entitled “Alternative Energy” by Anitra Tooma, a new publication issued by the Ministry of the Environment entitled “Climate Changes ….In My Pocket”, as well as other materials which are very useful for the study of the natural sciences.

The DVD and the brochure “A-Energy” were made as a result of close cooperation between the UN Development Program and “Environment Projects” Ltd. In a seven part series journalist Uģis Olte explores the ways to obtain alternative energy that are used in Latvia. Gustavs Terzens in his turn tells how a multistory building got its heat insulation in Vabole and the effect of such a decision. “Environmental projects” published a brochure on alternative forms of energy and saving energy written by Anitra Tooma.

These informative materials are meant for use in schools as supplementary aids in geography and physics lessons, possibly also during project weeks, and we would like to present them to teachers. That is why we invite teachers of geography and physics in your area to the seminar, which will be held in Riga on November 25 at 11.00 at the Ministry of Environment, 25 Peldu street, on the 4th floor.

Please pass this information on to other teachers and heads of methodology associations of geography and physics teachers of your area. For additional information and an application to the seminar please contact Agnese Leite until 17.00, November 21, phone 7225377.