Pupils' climate change concerns heard
30 November 2023
Young people from all over Scotland learned about Scotland’s net zero plans and ambitions earlier today at our Climate Action Schools Q&A with Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero & Just Transition Màiri McAllan MSP.
Held at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, the session coincided with the first day of the UN COP28 Climate Negotiations in Dubai. Almost 70 people attended in person with 450 educators and young people joining online.
Pupils had the chance to ask Ms McAllan questions, ranging from what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure we reach net zero, to how transport is becoming more environmentally friendly, and how schools could find funding to retrofit solar panels. They also shared their hopes in relation to the environment and their future.
The Live Lesson was originally meant to take place during Climate Action Week between 26 September and 2 October, however the event had to be postponed. That didn’t deter the enthusiasm of Scotland’s young people who waited patiently to have their questions about their future answered.
Andrea Gabriel, our Eco-Schools Scotland Coordinator said: “Today’s Live Lesson was a fantastic success and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended both in person and online, those young people who used their, often unheard, voice to ask a question and to Màiri McAllan MSP for her insightful, honest and inspiring answers.
“We know how much young people in Scotland care about their environment and it was fantastic to be able to provide a platform for them to have their biggest concerns and questions answered by someone who is so passionate about positive change.
“It is crucial that young people are included in any discussions around climate change as it is their future we are working to protect, and their voices will be fundamental in inspiring the positive action we must take.”
The recording of the entire Q&A will be available on our Climate Action Week 2023 web pages so do watch again to learn more about our work to support Scotland’s educators, young people and children to progress Learning for Sustainability and climate change education.
Our Climate Action Schools Impact Report summarises some of the key achievements from 2022/23 and celebrates success of those young people, children and educators we work with as they progress Learning for Sustainability and climate change education.
