Green future is my passion, says Miss Fire (Earth)

Kirsten Carls wants to ensure that she lives up to the promises she made to secure her place as one of the top four contestants in the Miss Earth contest.

Carls was selected as the third runner up - known as Miss Fire - at the beauty contest, which took place on September 24.

Carls, a civil engineering student at Wits University, said she wanted to carry on making a difference even after her tenure as one of the top four comes to an end next year.

"I feel that there is an important link between civil engineering and the environment," said Carls.

"I have come to realise that the future is going to be a green one. I think this competition has given me a step forward and I plan on using the knowledge I gain during this year. I don't want to be just a civil engineer, I want to be an environmentally conscious one."

Over the past year, during her campaign for the crown, Carls frequently visited schools to address the youth. She said she believed they held the key when it came to combating the effects of global warming.

"I love to encourage the youth to make little changes in their lives that will have a great effect on the issues we face," said Carls.

"It may be cliche, but the youth are the future and if we can get them to understand the impact they can have and show them that they can make a valuable contribution, then I believe we can sort out tomorrow today."

Carls said she would like to continue with the talks but was also keen to get her fellow university students more involved in environmental matters.

"I plan to continue with the tree planting projects I worked on earlier. I'm also looking at doing a project on water usage at Wits, but I'm still researching that and it is still in the foundation phase."

The 20-year-old from Bedfordview said she first developed an interest in environmental issues when she was in Grade 11 and took part in a provincial school debating championship.

"Once we reached the nationals, I realised that I had a passion and a very deep concern for our environment. It became something I took to heart."

Carls said finishing in the top four was an "amazing experience", made greater by the fact that she was able to mingle with like-minded people.

"I feel incredibly privileged to be where I am and to have met so many inspirational women, who all made great contributions to the cause."