Youth work plays a significant role in supporting young people to find and use their voice, and play an active role in tackling the climate and nature emergencies.
We are acutely aware of how the climate and nature emergencies will impact Scotland’s young people and how central they have been in demanding climate action. Young people have been calling for urgent change and do not want to have to live with the consequences of global inaction on this crisis for our planet. Future generations deserve a more equal, just, and fair future which is healthy, sustainable and from which no one is left behind.
YouthLink Scotland have been involved in various projects that share learning, best practice and upskill the youth work sector with the tools and confidence to become more climate-literate. We recognise the crucial role that youth work plays in working effectively with young people to build a tangible legacy from COP26 in Glasgow and ultimately meet Scotland’s net zero targets.
With Scotland being one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency there has never been a more crucial time for the youth work sector to step up and lead the way.
Recent projects on climate and nature emergencies include:
"As young people we strive to make a difference to the climate crisis in an inclusive and positive way. We want marginalised voices to be at the heart of the conversation and want to hold governments, corporates, and individuals accountable for lack of action. This goes beyond COP26 and requires climate consciousness to be embedded in society at a grassroots level”
Emma Bryden, Scotland's Young People's Forest Panel Member
If you have any questions about our climate and nature emergency projects or want to find out more, get in touch with Liz who oversees our Learning for Sustainability work.