New project sees young volunteers tackle climate change in Scotland

Young people are taking part in a new project to help drive Scotland's transition to a low carbon society.

Developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with Young Scot, the project involves three teams of 12 to 19 year old volunteers who will look at how their communities will change in a low carbon Scotland.

These 'local youth investigation teams', from Balfron in Stirling, Lochgilphead in Argyll and Bute and Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, will focus on a range of issues including action their local communities are taking to tackle climate change, the implications of a low carbon economy for farming and rural land use, the benefits of green tourism and how renewable energy will impact on their local communities.

The project will include a national discussion day giving more young people across the country the chance to get together and share their views.

Participants will publish a report of the findings and will have an opportunity to act as ambassadors in sharing information with their peers.

Engagement with young people is a key element of the Low Carbon Scotland Public Engagement Strategy, which sets out how the Scottish Government will work with others to promote the job opportunities that a low carbon Scotland can bring.

It also highlights what people can do in their daily lives to save energy and contribute to Scotland's climate change targets.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Roseanna Cunningham said: "The young people of Scotland have a critical part to play in securing our low carbon future."

"Not only can they offer a fresh perspective on how to reduce carbon emissions today - they will also see huge changes in their lifetime as a result of our efforts to tackle climate change."

Further information:
Scottish Government