Councillors were today (Tuesday 21 March) updated on the work of the city’s school pupils in helping shape Aberdeen’s plans for tackling climate change and approved further proposals for achieving Net Zero.
The Education and Children’s Services committee noted the work already being undertaken by pupils in the last year since £150,000 of funding was provided by Aberdeen City Council in establishing a Youth Climate Change Group representing the city’s schools.
The committee also approved plans to develop accessible information for young people relating to Net Zero while also deciding which suggestions from children and young people can be taken forward in more detail.
A report updated the committee on some of the key events that took place in schools to educate children and young people about Climate Change and the drive towards Net Zero during 2022 and highlighted the ideas and solutions provided by children and young people themselves.
The committee also noted the plans for further climate change events for secondary pupils organised by the outgoing Youth Climate Change President and Vice presidents to help shape city approach and instructed the Chief Education Officer to support the process of appointing their replacements for 2023-24.
Among the activities undertaken by the group under current president Charles Turner were:
- School Eco Committees continue to drive change at school level;
- A further 10 schools received a Green Flag Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful;
- Glashieburn Primary School started work on the LEAF (Learning About Forests) programme with staff from Keep Scotland Beautiful;
- Bucksburn Academy pupils engaged in a yearlong climate change interdisciplinary project. Their focus was the question “How can we eat to save the planet?”;
- The launch of the Wee Forest Project was launched as an outdoor learning space at Woodside Primary School
- Primary 7 young people from Ashley Road Primary School being involved in a challenge to design and marketing of an interactive climate change game.
- A celebration of several Climate Change and Net Zero schools’ activities at NESCOL, as part of World Children’s Day.
Committee Convener, Councillor Martin Greig said: The Youth Climate Change group has been extremely energetic and focused in their work. It is great to see their enthusiasm in tackling the environmental challenges we face in the city today. The views and action of the young people are helping to give Aberdeen a greener future. I am grateful for their action towards achieving a more sustainable net zero economy."
Vice Convener Councillor Jessica Mennie said “Children and young people are our city’s future and it is wonderful to see them shape that future and help us achieve our ambitions for a greener and sustainable Aberdeen.”
Photograph shows current Youth Climate Change President Charles Turner at a workshop in the Town House last year.