Climate Change Committee welcomes views of Highland Youth Parliament

Members of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee have welcomed views from the Highland Youth Parliament on climate change priorities and how young people can help shape Highland’s response to the climate emergency.

At a meeting held on Wednesday 28 January, representatives of the Highland Youth Parliament presented the perspectives of young people from across the Highlands. Following the presentation, Committee Members agreed to recommend that relevant officers work with the Highland Youth Parliament to explore and progress the four key asks:

• Climate change education included as part of the core school curriculum
• Safer walking and cycling routes to school and within communities
• Greater promotion of sustainable community actions by Highland Council
• Improved access to recycling facilities in schools

Jake MacCulloch, Chair of the Highland Youth Parliament and Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “The Highland Youth Parliament exists to ensure young people across the Highlands can engage in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Young people are already thinking seriously about climate change and what it means for our environment, education, transport and communities. Presenting to the Climate Change Committee was an important opportunity to show how young people can be part of the solution, and we welcome the Committee’s recommendation to continue working with us as these discussions move forward.”

Highland Youth Convener, Leah McBain, added: “Presenting to the Committee allowed us to share our concerns about climate change and to call for continued engagement in decision-making. Our four asks show how we want to work together to ensure young people are actively involved in shaping our future. National change depends on local progress, and we look forward to remaining part of the conversation with Highland Council.”

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Councillor Kate Willis, said: “It was valuable to hear directly from members of the Highland Youth Parliament what their concerns and priorities are when it comes to tackling the climate and nature crises.  The Committee has agreed to recommend further work with officers and the Youth Parliament, and I look forward to continuing the discussion and progressing the key asks through the Council.”