Young people driving meaningful change

The climate emergency is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and young people are among those most acutely aware of this.

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) supports young people to drive meaningful change. In a world often dominated by adult decision-makers, hearing the stories and perspectives of young people is vital. These voices not only bring fresh ideas but also tell compelling stories that inspire action, challenge the status quo, and push society towards a more sustainable future.

As part of their activities to mark Scotland’s Climate Week, members of the Scottish Youth Parliament were invited by policy makers at the Scottish Government to discuss their concerns and ideas. The result was a collection of climate storyboards (short comics) which demonstrate how each of the SPY members became interested in the environment and what they’ve done to advocate for it.

You can see some of the storyboards below, which showcase actions from launching school recycling schemes, to buying clothes from charity shops and eating more sustainably. The storyboards also map out what SYP members wanted Scotland to look like in 2045 and the importance of making sure no one - person, business or community - gets left behind (also known as a Just Transition).

“These meetings have been really exciting and are an excellent example of just how easy it is to engage young people properly in your work, no matter how complex it is. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to allow the young people to conduct these conversations on their own terms.”

Olivia also talks about the importance of creating the right environment “We planned these meetings carefully. Working with policy makers, we created a comfortable environment in which young people could express their opinions in creative ways.”

And Olivia sums up perfectly just how important it is to listen to young voices, “engagement with young people is a key component in improving Scotland’s approach to addressing the climate crisis and enacting a smooth Just Transition. Taking the time to talk to us and understand our needs and wants is never a waste of time – it is what leads to good policymaking.”

These voices are essential to shaping policies that reflect the needs of future generations. Perspectives from every corner of society are crucial in crafting solutions that are inclusive and just. By continuing to invite diverse viewpoints, we can create a future where the wellbeing of our planet and its people are protected for generations to come.

You can find out more about the Scottish Youth Parliament here