SNH has produced a new study pack for schools

Classroom aids, showing youngsters the damaging effect of current lifestyles on the environment, have been compiled by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Experts at the government agency are urging students and their parents to change their lifestyles in a bid to slow climate change.

It is said by organisers to be the first scheme of its kind in the UK.

The new green push is called The Heat is Up and It's Raining.

Environmentalists argue that, because climate change is now so much a reality, children should be learning about it in school.

The average weight of greenhouse gas emissions each year is the equivalent of two large elephants Noranne Ellis Scottish Natural Heritage

They gave an example of spring flowers in an East Lothian garden blooming three weeks earlier than they did 25 years ago.

Youngsters will be told about wildlife, like the snow bunting, which could be pushed further up the mountains by global warming and may die out in Scotland.

They will also be shown ways to reduce the climate changing gases - like carbon dioxide - by buying locally produced food that is not flown into Scotland and by walking or cycling whenever possible.

SNH's Noranne Ellis said: "We get pupils to think about their manner of travel and how far their food travels to their plate.

"For example, roast lamb and apple pie could have travelled 12,000 miles to your plate and we get youngsters to convert it into the eight of greenhouse gas emissions."

Ms Ellis added: "The UK average weight of greenhouse gas emissions each year as a result of travelling, heating and cooking is the equivalent of two large elephants.

"We make students think about the effects on habitats and species across Scotland and to think about what's happening to the tops of mountains and the rare Arctic species at the tops of those mountains."

She said: "We are linking youngsters into things like the British Trust for Ornithology's website which looks live at migratory species arriving, so it's relevant for them."

The Met Office said 2003 was a record year

Experts claimed earlier this year that global warming may create an unexpected employment surge in Scotland.

They argued it could bring more jobs in agriculture and tourism. Scientists at Stirling University said global warming will bring not just problems but opportunities.

They claimed farming could benefit from temperature rises, as marginal land becomes suitable for crops and grazing.

The scientists' claims were scrutinised at the 30th Congress of the International Geographical Union in Glasgow, which attracted about 1,800 delegates from some 80 countries.

Earlier, Met Office figures showed that in 2003 Scotland basked in the warmest year since official records began in 1961.

The environmental group, WWF Scotland, went further and claimed it was the warmest year for at least 140 years - and issued a warning over climate change.

Head of policy Dr Richard Dixon said: "Climate change is a growing reality, and is the biggest environmental threat facing Scotland."