Young people gather in Aberdeen for regional youth climate event

Young people and educators gathered in Aberdeen today to explore climate action for the region. 

The event, which we hosted at the Aberdeen Town House on 4 November, saw more than 60 young people and educators from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray in attendance, alongside experts from the RSPB, NatureScot, HP and more, the audience was split into two groups: young people and educators.  

The young people took part in two activities; firstly, they had the opportunity to talk with and ask questions of experts and policy makers on three topics: climate change, biodiversity and nature, and waste management and litter. Then in the afternoon they were asked to identify environmental and sustainable actions they would like to see taken by their local authority at a school, community and whole local authority level. 

Educators also took part in two activities; in the morning session they discussed how to support pupils in taking environmental action and how their setting can become more sustainable, in line with the Scottish Government’s Target 2030 ambitions. This session featured presentations from high school educators on how they have integrated these actions in their settings. 

The afternoon session focused on supporting pupils to advocate for the environment with a focus on Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Young Reporters for the Environment Framework.  

Andrea Gabriel, our Education Manager, said: “What a wonderful day we had in Aberdeen, with a real desire for change shown by every young person and educator in attendance. 

“All of our Climate Action Schools activities have youth voice and empowerment at their heart. Today’s event was the third Youth Climate event Keep Scotland Beautiful has organised and this time we wanted to hold it in Aberdeen City this time to give the young people from the north east of the country the opportunity to take part in such events.  

“Offering young people the chance to meet other like-minded young people and to access those who are working, making decisions and taking action on the climate and nature crises, at local and national level, doesn’t just help them feel less alone in their own climate action and concerns, but also enables their voices to be heard and to hopefully influence future policies and actions. 

“With the recently published Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature 2026 setting out the framework for helping people across Scotland meet the challenges of climate change, we are more determined than ever to be there for our young people who have that desire to make a difference in their communities and beyond.” 

Steph Johnstone, HP Scotland Sustainability & Community Impact Lead, said: "Young people have a vital role to play in creating a more sustainable future in Scotland, and their passion and creativity continue to inspire us. 

"We're delighted to support this event which provides a platform for young people to share ideas, collaborate with others and take positive action in their communities. Partnerships like these help build the confidence, skills and opportunities that empower the next generation to make a lasting impact." 

Aberdeen City Council's Education and Children’s Services Committee convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “Young people are already contributing so much to our shared commitment to tackle the increasing climate and environmental challenges around us. 

“I am delighted that we are looking for more opportunities to involve younger generations. It’s great that they are already influencing our local activities and campaigns to keep Scotland, and our area, beautiful. Schools are playing an important role in encouraging learners to turn their learning about climate change into action and for the benefit of local communities and beyond.” 

This event was made possible thanks to kind sponsorship from HP and support from Aberdeen City Council. 

The Climate Action Schools Programme is Keep Scotland Beautiful’s framework of education initiatives funded by the Scottish Government to support Scotland’s educators and young people to progress Learning for Sustainability.