Peter was joined by three other 'Earth Champions' from Scotland, England and Wales in urging ministers to raise these concerns at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa in August 2002. They highlighted four key issues during their meeting at Downing Street: energy, poverty, biodiversity and fresh water, which reflect the main themes emerging from earlier WWF Our World internet debates with pupils from across the UK.

Prime Minister, Tony Blair commented on the meeting by saying:

"I am pleased to have had the opportunity to hear young people's concerns about the future of the planet. These young Earth Champions are doing important work in raising awareness of key challenges for the World Summit on Sustainable Development."

"We share their concerns about poverty, quality of species and habitats and access to clean energy and water. That is why we have taken action in the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increased our support to developing countries to reduce poverty and increase access to clean water. There is more work to be done at the World Summit in Johannesburg later this year. We must ensure that Johannesburg achieves concrete results, so that our children will inherit a safe and clean world. The Earth Champions will ensure that childrens' voices are heard - helping to set the world on the path towards a sustainable future."

Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the Environment, added:

"The four young people I met will be responsible for representing their peers' views in Johannesburg. I'm thrilled the Our World Project is offering young people in the UK the chance to be involved in WSSD, and sustainable development issues more generally.

"Our overarching aim for this summit is to make globalisation work positively for sustainable development, especially for the poorest. The issues raised by the Earth Champions today are all part of the whole package for Johannesburg. They have seized on the big subjects which we will tackle at the Summit. We hope to reach agreement that all the big issues are integrated and need to be seen in that light."

"Because at the end of the day that is the only way to move forward together, multilaterally, to seek global solutions to problems which are not unique to any one country, but worldwide. The voices of young people will be heard loud and clear in Johannesburg and I want them to know now they ARE important. They are the future. We want to make the world a better place for them and for generations to come. It's up to us all to make it work and to make it happen."

Jim Kitchen, Head of WWF Northern Ireland said:

"Younger generations will be the beneficiaries of the actions taken by world leaders in Johannesburg so it is vitally important for them to be involved in the decision making process. By meeting with the Prime Minister, the Earth Champions have highlighted the fact that young people across the UK are taking ownership of global issues and are looking for solutions in their own community."

The 'Earth Champions' were selected by BBC Newsround, from the four winning schools in the WWF Our World School's Challenge. The Challenge, supported and funded by DEFRA, DFES and the devolved administrations, provided an opportunity for four schools in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to win £15,000 each for an innovative 'sustainable makeover' plan for their school.

Peter will also travel with his fellow 'Earth Champions' to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development (26 August to 4 September 2002). There they will join world leaders, including the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for the Environment and representatives from the devolved administrations, as the future of our planet is discussed.

The 'Earth Champions' will play an active role at the Summit. They will be expected to voice their opinions, and those of other young people back home who will be engaged in simultaneous Internet debates, then report back to the youth of the UK direct from the Summit on decisions taken, as well as interview ministers and other delegates.