Our Climate Emergency - youth work's role for people and planet - AUTUMN 2021 SUPPORTING YOUTH WORK AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND
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SUPPORTING YOUTH WORK AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND AUTUMN 2021 Our Climate Emergency – youth work’s role for people and planet #YouthWorkChangesLives
Introduction
Young people have been calling for urgent change in the face of the Climate
Emergency, they do not want to deal with the consequences of global inaction on this
crisis for our planet. Youth work plays a significant role in supporting young people to
find and use their voice, and play an active role in ensuring climate justice.
It is important that we ensure a legacy from COP26, which is the most significant
Ministerial Foreword
conference of world leaders since the Paris agreement in 2015. The IPCC is clear,
we are running out of time to stay within 1.5 degrees of global warming. As a sector
we need to build a climate literate youth work workforce and move towards a more
sustainable way of working. We not only need to support our young people, we also
need to walk alongside them by making sure our actions and commitment to tackling
the Climate Emergency is real and lasting.
This magazine brings together international, national and local reflections on the reality
of climate change, from a youth work perspective. It is a timely opportunity to share
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training
practice and learning, and that practice and learning, will prove invaluable for our and Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment and Land Reform
sector, as we assert our commitment to support and campaign with young people to
We’d like to thank YouthLink Scotland of government’ approach to tackling generations deserve a more equal,
build a true and tangible legacy from COP26 in Glasgow.
for giving us the opportunity to write biodiversity loss. just, and fair future which is healthy,
Tim Frew, CEO YouthLink Scotland this foreword and for inviting us to sustainable and from which no one is
COP26 in Glasgow presents
speak at the 2021 National Youth left behind.
Scotland’s young people with a
Work Conference. This edition of the
once-in-a-generation opportunity to That is why Scotland is taking an
LINK Magazine, like the conference,
help shape thinking on the global unique, rights-based approach to
is focused on the global climate
stage and the Scottish Government involving children and young people
emergency and the challenges and
is determined that they will be heard. in our climate actions and ambitions.
opportunities it brings for young
Youth workers all over Scotland Their rights are embedded in our
people throughout Scotland.
will be crucial in supporting young National Performance Framework,
We are acutely aware of how the people to communicate their ideas in in our incorporation of the United
climate emergency will impact the best way for them and we relish Nations Convention on the Rights of
Scotland’s young people and how the chance to support this. That’s the Child, and in our vision and values.
central our young people have been why publications like this, and the We are working with, and advocating
in demanding climate action. We are National Youth Work Conference, are for, children and young people so that
incredibly grateful for the huge effort so important – they bring the global they: have opportunities to participate
that the youth work sector have put climate emergency and the youth meaningfully before, during and
into actively supporting young people work sector together. after COP26; and are equipped with
to learn more about the climate the skills and opportunities to be
The climate and nature emergencies
emergency and on taking mitigating champions for our net zero ambitions
affect us all. We welcome and admire
action. longer-term and to be heard and
the leadership that young people
heeded by decision makers.
With COP26 coming to Glasgow in have shown here. They recognise,
November, Scotland will be in the as do we, that while their generation We hope that you enjoy reading this
spotlight on the world stage. We and those to come would suffer most magazine – the thought leadership,
already have the most ambitious legal from any global inaction now, they articles, updates, and new initiatives
framework for emissions reduction in also stand to benefit from a greener, will help in our common goal: helping
the world, culminating in our world- fairer economy and society including Scotland’s young people address the
leading target to reach net zero in industries of the future. Future global climate emergency.
emission by 2045; our emissions are
down by 51.5% since 1990 meaning
that we continue to out-perform the
UK as a whole in delivering long-term
emissions reduction; and as part of
tackling the twin climate and nature
crisis, we are leading the Edinburgh
Process to ensure a global, ‘whole
2 3
Scotland’s party
leaders left ‘chastened’
on climate action by
audience of young people
our society. The Green Manifesto The Climate Hot Seat’ was
In the run up to the recent Scottish Parliament elections, Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister and
Leader of the Scottish National Party
will investment in renewables, warm
homes, public transport, restoring
organised by young people aged
13-32 representing seven youth
young people launched a scathing attack on party leaders at said it was right young people “bang
down our doors” and that she would
nature, ensuring we have a fair and organisations in Scotland. The
equal society.” event was a space specifically for
the #ScotHotSeat youth climate hustings, accusing them of not “pass the buck” to the younger
generation: Leader of the Scottish Liberal young people to hold party leaders
accountable for their climate action
ignoring the climate emergency facing their generation. “We can’t just recognise, we need to
Democrats, Willie Rennie thanked
young people for a “feisty” debate and to give other young people
act. This is a pivotal moment. When and said: valuable information in advance of
The Climate Hot Seat event was “All of the important climate deadlines, things fall apart you can chose how casting their vote on May 6th.
you put them back together. We need “You have all made us feel
organised by YouthLink Scotland 2030, 2045, 2050 I will live through. Anna Balmain, 13, representing
to prioritise an investment-led green uncomfortable. This is the sharp end
through Our Bright Future Project, If I live to the same age as my granny Children in Scotland, said: “Action
recovery era and tackling inequalities. and I am grateful for you being very
and supported by: Fridays for Future lived to, I will see the next century. needs to be taken to combat the
Words are easy but hold us to account blunt with us. We need to make sure
Scotland; 2050 Climate Group; This is my future life and it’s the lives climate crisis, and the decision on
on our actions.” we contribute to the sustainable
Young Friends of the Earth Scotland; of people around the world right now. whether this action is taken, depends
development of our country if we
Children in Scotland; Teach the Future You should not be inspired by us, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, on each and every one of us.”
are going to have a planet for future
Scotland and the Scottish Youth you should be angry and upset. This Douglas Ross said it was clear that generations.” Fatima Bari MSYP, 18, representing
Parliament. is my Highers year, during a global politicians had failed young people:
During the debate, all five party the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “I
Dylan Hamilton, aged 16, a climate pandemic and I have a chronic illness. am passionate about climate change
“We have to see and deliver leaders said they would ban single
and environmental activist from I should have enough to worry about meaningful outcomes at COP26 in and want to make changes that better
use plastics and there was agreement
West Lothian accused politicians of without having to worry about the Glasgow this year and young people the environment and I believe one of
that climate education in Scottish
patronising young people and failing possibility of the largest refugee crisis will play a big part in making that a the ways we do this is by holding our
schools needed to be put in place as
to act: we have ever seen.” success. There is no doubt that we politicians to account and making
a priority.
“I want to show you all we are very, In response, Anas Sarwar, Scottish have a lot of work to do as it looks like sure they have the environment’s best
On the subject of protecting
very angry. We are trying to knock Labour Leader said: we have let you down for too long.” interests at heart.”
Scotland’s natural environment,
down your doors. I have sacrificed
“I know young people are impatient, Patrick Harvie, Co-Convener of the Patrick Harvie said: Natalie Sweeney, 27, 2050 Climate
my education and having a normal
fizzing and angry. We need young Scottish Greens said these issues are Group, said: “With everything going on
childhood to pressure you to fix a “We shouldn’t have large swathes of
people’s voices to be front and frightening and daunting: in the world right now, it would be easy
problem that we have known about our landscape ecologically degraded
centre in climate change, in teaching for climate issues to take a back seat
for a decade before I was born. If the “It can create a lot of anxiety to face up so that rich people can come along
the true history of our country, and and we are making sure that doesn’t
comments here tonight have shown to the challenges that your generation and shoot birds for fun. Humanity has,
necessary future skills. We need to happen.”
us anything, it’s that young people has been left to face. This moment is and continues to, perpetrate a war
don’t agree that you have done what is ensure the climate is at the heart of an incredible opportunity. We need against nature. The scale of what’s If you missed the hustings you can
necessary either. our national recovery.” to invest in the future and reshape required here is extraordinary.” still watch the debate.
4 w: www.youthlinkscotland.org tw: @YouthLinkScot 5
Putting young people
at the core of climate
policy
YouthLink Scotland’s Policy and Research Manager, Kevin
Kane looks at the symbiotic relationship between climate
change action, youth voice and the need for policy change.
Come gather round people wherever you roam to express their views, feelings and
wishes in all matters affecting them,
and to have their views considered and
And admit that waters around you have grown taken seriously.
And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone Participation in policy making should
therefore be seen as an overarching
If your time to you is worth saving principle to build a meaningful,
effective and ongoing dialogue
between young people, youth work For this to be a truly national Investing in youth work youth work contributes to young
Then you better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone staff and volunteers. For children and endeavour, we must work
Recent surveys have highlighted
people’s lives through providing
young people, knowing that they have collaboratively and consistently, local opportunities to lead and help
For the times they are a changing the right to be heard in decisions and national governments must a lack of investment in youth work
services, which is cause for serious
others as well support to become
which affect them boosts their take cognisance of the significant more active citizens, broadening
concern. The youth work sector is their horizons and realising their
sense of security and also their self- infrastructure provided by the youth
I don’t think that Bob Dylan back A rights-based approach confidence. work sector as part of any action
well positioned to work with young potential. All of this is crucial in order
in 1964 could have imagined his people and their communities in areas
Any action on climate change must planning over the coming years. for young people to take action on
lyrics would have such a particular We have a unique opportunity to relevant to climate change policy.
take into consideration the current climate change. We need to see
poignancy for the very future of our involve young people and unite the This can only continue to be the case
planet, and the action or inaction challenges for young people, the The link between skills, employability greater recognition of the benefits
youth work and environmental sectors, if youth work is valued and properly
that will seal the fate of future disruption to their education and the
listening to them, and involving them
and climate action resourced. The value of youth work
of youth work as a form of informal
increase in demand for mental health education. Youth work opportunities
generations. in the key policy and political changes The response to the environmental lies in the difference it makes directly
and wellbeing services. This is why should therefore be available to all
The Youth Strike4Climate movement required to support meaningful policy challenges of the Climate Emergency to the lives of the young people who young people, in order to support
we must see action on the climate action on climate change. engage with services, however it
demonstrated that young people are and the transition to a Net Zero the positive environmental changes
crisis through the prism of young extends further to the many benefits
passionate and serious about the economy, means that new skills will required to build lasting change.
environment and that their voices
people’s rights at its core, where Collective response be required in addition to the creation it provides to wider society in working
a right to a healthy environment is
are powerful and should be part of a mainstay of policy and political As society slowly emerges from of new jobs. There is an integral towards a green and blue renewal, The future
any engagement process. It was the coronavirus pandemic, it is relationship between youth work and where the wellbeing of people and
thinking. This should be a pre- planet are prioritised as one. The pandemic should be the catalyst
encouraging to see the Scottish fundamentally important we all now employability through the role youth
condition to the realisation of other for a true re-imagining of a society,
Government commit to giving young work together to limit the impact of work plays in supporting young people
people a strong voice through the
fundamental rights, such as a right to
climate change. It is young people in schools, community and post-school Youth work and the policy landscape one that can help more people see
food, housing and shelter, education the need to provide food, water,
development of “a new approach to who, along with future generations, contexts. This relationship should be Youth work in Scotland is deeply
photo credit: Kevin Kane with daughter Ariana
and an adequate standard of living. a sustainable environment and a
ensuring a genuine role in the policy will have to live with the worst developed further as we continue embedded within the national policy
These are all areas where youth work healthy planet for the future. To do
process for young people” as part of consequences of climate change. to adjust to the consequences of landscape. The sector makes a
practitioners already make such a so, we must put young people at the
their Climate Action Engagement Therefore, the youth work sector must lockdowns and its impact on the labour significant contribution on equality
positive impact on the lives of young heart of climate action strategies and
Plan. However, to make this happen, be central to, and actively engaged in market, which is being acutely felt by and inclusion and improving outcomes
people. harness the connectedness of youth
it is crucial that there is direct any public engagement and social/ young people in Scotland in relation to for children and young people and work and environmental sectors as
and concerted engagement with Participation of children and young policy action. We know the climate is a their future employment prospects. In ensures their rights are respected we a chart a path to net zero gas
Scotland’s 80,000 youth workers and people is one of the General priority area of action for young people doing so we can harness the potential and enhanced. We know from our emissions by 2045.
the 350,000 young people they work Principles of the UNCRC. Article 12 and they are eager to engage in action of the sector as the gateway to a Universal Youth Work Research that
alongside. is clear that every child has the right to address the climate emergency. green revolution.
6 e: kane@youthlinkscotland.org | tw: @YouthLinkScot 7
Research The Prince’s Trust is committed to ensuring
young people are equipped to embrace the
changes that are coming.
“This research highlights the optimism
that young people have about their
generation and role they want to play
in devoting their careers to tackling the
biggest issues facing the planet. It is
Focus
therefore vital that we work with business
leaders to provide more sustainable
careers for our next generation.
“Long term changes to the labour market
The Trust is providing effective and predict that young people’s future
innovative approaches to create and employment opportunities will reduce
improve youth employment in green unless we adapt and act quickly. We
sectors. Working with a wide range of know that sectors that have traditionally
partners, including a recent initiative offered secure jobs to young people such
with National Grid’s Grid for Good, as retail are struggling, and will continue
New Prince’s Trust research reveals young
The Trust has added employability to do so, and the disappearance of these
modules relating to green jobs to its jobs presents a real risk to social mobility.
Get Into programmes and developed
“However, the rapidly growing green
people want to be part of a green economy
a Kickstart sustainability module
which will feature in all UK wide economy does provide a new opportunity.
delivery. Through awareness-raising, skills
development, providing job outcomes,
Louise Goodlad, Senior Head of and changing ways of working, The
Young people are facing one of the most turbulent times in living memory. The Partnerships, The Prince’s Trust
Scotland reflects on the findings
Prince’s Trust is committed to ensuring
young people are equipped to embrace
and the need to act now to secure
coronavirus pandemic has disrupted their lives, their education, and their career a vibrant green economy for young
the changes that are coming.
people: “We want to raise awareness of the green
aspirations; and they are facing significant changes to the world of work due to economy throughout our programmes,
not just within our employability courses.
technological, demographic and climate change. We’re looking to refocus our education
work to include a greater emphasis of
future careers in this sector and we have
developed new learning components
The Prince’s Trust has launched • 78% of young people believe their • 77% would consider the about ethical and sustainable business
initial findings from research into the generation can create solutions to environmental impact of the in our Enterprise Challenge. Additionally,
‘Future of Work’ at an event attended some of society and the world’s company or sector when for our young entrepreneurs we will
by President, HRH The Prince of biggest challenges choosing a job prepare them to take full advantage of the
Wales and international business opportunities presented by the expanding
• 74% would be interested in a green • Working in the green economy
leaders. The discussion, which built on green supply chain.
job which helps tackle climate (45%) and health and social
the work of his Terra Carta initiative,
change, despite only 3% having care (43%) are seen as the “Ultimately, we know that the climate
called for efforts from employers to
their main job in the sector most likely ways to have emergency will mostly harm young
support young people into sustainable
a positive impact on the people, therefore tackling both the jobs
careers in emerging industries, • 71% would be interested in a job in
community / wider world and climate emergencies together is a
such as green and digital, that can the digital economy which is seen
contribute to net zero ambitions as providing the most opportunities win-win.”
for young people across a range of
Polling by YouGov of 6,073 young
sectors
people aged 18-to-35 in Canada,
Ghana, India, Pakistan, the UK, and • 81% would consider whether the
US shows: job has a positive impact on the
community and wider world
8 w: www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/where-we-work/scotland | tw: @PrincesTrustSco 9
Teaching the injustice of Earlier this year, a series of three-
day-long workshops focusing on
Education for Climate Justice
was co-organised by a team from
capitalism has played in the climate
crisis; and identify how injustices of
all types are rooted in those legacies
of colonialism and capitalism. As Ikal
Young people are already thinking
creatively about climate solutions
in their own communities. They are
also arguing forcefully for the space
the world climate crisis
Glasgow Caledonian University, Ang’elei noted in her keynote speech: to learn about alternative economic
Learning for Sustainability Scotland, models that address the tension
“The knowledge that is produced now, inherent in the notion of ‘sustainable
SCOREScotland, Teach the Future, from a lot of young people’s work, who
the Third Generation Project growth’.
are seeing this thing [climate change]
(University of St Andrews), and the but also linking it to food systems, to Models like Morocco, for example,
University of Edinburgh. water systems, and the role of gender which has changed the way that
This year, Mahmoud Makkawi of SCOREscotland and the Education for These workshops focused on in all this.” they produce energy and now leads
by example in the green energy
centering anti-racist education in
Climate Justice Programme Team held a series of workshops to explore the climate justice education, on a just
This conclusion chimes with
international research on the ways
revolution.
transition, and on building hope in Iceland, Albania, and Paraguay who
relationship between climate change and social justice. Their conclusion? A the face of climate anxiety. They
that education for climate action
requires a more radical vision for lead the way in generating all of their
were developed in direct response to electricity without the use of fossil
more radical vision for climate education that tackles the role of colonialism demands from youth climate activists
climate education than currently
exists. It was also clear from the fuels. Like the further eight nations
to make education for climate justice (five in Africa, and three in Latin
and capitalism in climate injustice. a priority and each brought together
workshops that across Scotland – in
ways large and small – pupils and America) who use coal, oil, and gas
a diverse set of stakeholders, educators are already thinking about for less than 10% of their electricity;
including youth activists, educators, how this vision could be activated, and like Scotland, where work is being
practitioners and academics. meaning that the workshop series has done to develop a wellbeing economy
been able to serve as a resource for - “an economy which delivers social
They also brought together a set of
further exchange and mutual learning. justice and environmental health’ - via
keynote speakers – Yvette Williams
the Wellbeing Economy Government’s
MBE from the Justice4Grenfell Throughout the workshops the role (WeGo) group.
Campaign, Ikal Ang’elei from the of youth work in facilitating young
Friends of Lake Turkana, and Jayden people’s informal learning about the Education for climate justice should
Foytlin, a youth climate activist from relationship between climate change be central to such initiatives and what
Louisiana – who all highlighted how and social justice was paramount, as this workshop series highlighted very
climate injustice, as well as racial, was the importance of highlighting clearly is the urgent need, not only for
gender and other injustices are rooted the need to collaborate with youth such educational opportunities to exist,
in histories of oppression. activists. As youth climate activist, but also that they be fundamentally
Jayden Foytlin said: based on three radical principles:
The workshops have acted as a voluntary engagement; a curriculum
Who leads the fight on climate change, catalyst for long-term conversations
about the need for, and the scope
“I think a key message would be
to actually listen to the youth and
based on lived experiences; and an
intergenerational dialogue where
of, such learning. What was clear
who’s bearing the brunt and impact of from the responses of workshop
actually hear what we have to say...
actually talk to us about what we have
young people act as ‘educators’
themselves.
participants and attendees was that experienced and what we are going
climate change, what has contributed to our education for climate justice should
highlight the ongoing impact of
through in our communities and …
really show us that you care about
View the workshop content:
https://bit.ly/3BLU7Nk
world being in decline, and how we tell the colonialism; recognise the role that youth.”
real stories behind that about who caused
that destruction in the first place.
Yvette Williams MBE,
The Justice4Grenfell Campaign
10 w: www.scorescotland.org.uk/education-for-climate-justice-knowledge-exchange-series/ | Tw: @SCOREScotland 11
At Venture Trust we offer different effects. They notice and reflect on
services and programmes to how their emotional and physiological
young people experiencing state changes. This reinforces what we
adverse life circumstances, often already know from research into the
living in Scotland’s more deprived impact of nature on stress reduction and
communities. Our services include psychological recovery. An example of this
personal development programmes could be a young person noticing how
in nature, therapeutic wilderness their anxiety goes down as they talk about
journeys, community-based outreach a difficult topic whilst staring into a pond.
work and an outdoor therapy service In this experience, they have the sense
in urban greenspaces. that they are able to manage their anxiety
with the assistance of the natural world,
The Venture Trust Outdoor Therapy and they are still able to stay engaged in
Service offers individual therapy speaking about the difficult topic.
to young people who wish to
have therapy in natural outdoor Another benefit of taking therapy
environments. The sessions take outdoors is that it can offer a sense of
place in a greenspace chosen by shared experience, which can help to build
the therapeutic relationship. An example
them, usually in parks or woodland
of this would be the therapist and young
Therapy
close to where they live, making
person living through uncomfortable
the service accessible to a range of
weather conditions together, or the
people. Safety, confidentiality and
therapist and young person walking
maintaining ethical standards when
side-by-side rather than facing one
working in these public spaces have
another. The differences of this approach,
been given much thought by our
compared to more traditional therapy
team, and we continue to review and
settings, can make it more accessible to
develop our outdoor therapy practice.
young people for whom a more formal
in nature
There are challenges that emerge setting could feel overwhelming, or sitting
from working in this way, however, still and talking face-to-face with an adult
in our experience, the benefits far could feel too difficult.
outweigh the challenges. To describe
These are just a few of the benefits that
what is beneficial, perhaps it is best
we have observed in the outdoor therapy
to start with the words of the young
service. There are, of course, others
people:
that we have not been able to cover in
“It just felt so natural… walking and this brief article. From our experience,
talking… I always feel better after an we are convinced that outdoor therapy
outdoor therapy session.” Client M offers real potential as a means of
Outdoor Therapy has existed as a practice for “Having the opportunity to experience
working effectively with young people
who may otherwise struggle to engage
decades. In recent years it has become more the wildlife and nature the way I
did really helped me change my life
with traditional services. We believe
the benefits of outdoor therapy should
established as an effective means of working around.” Client D be more widely available to young
therapeutically. According to Katarina Horrox At Venture Trust, we understand
the benefits of outdoor therapy to
people and we welcome conversations
with likeminded professionals and
and Mark Rae of Venture Trust, young people be varied. Firstly, young people are
choosing to have an experience with
organisations.
have been influential in this change, through the natural world and to be in touch
with themselves within it. Having
their engagement and interest in practices such experiences like this, of being
emotionally aware of nature and our
as outdoor therapy, wilderness therapy and presence in it, are perhaps central to
our ability to appreciate the impact of
adventure therapy. climate change.
As a result of spending time in
natural environments, young people
also experience its regulating
12 w: www.venturetrust.org.uk/ | Tw: @venturetrust 13
We must not
lose our Earth The truth is, the natural world is changing.
Grace McCabe, aged 18, Girlguiding And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides
Scotland Speak Out Champion and a member
of the 1st Strathaven Rangers says it’s time
our food, water and air. It is the most precious
we stopped being messy lodgers. thing we have and we need to defend it.
Now more than ever, countries across
the globe must intensify their efforts
to meet the aims of the 2015 Paris
Small ripples will create big waves.
Reduce your plastic consumption:
use a refillable water bottle, bring
is: will these measures be enough?
A net zero carbon future is possible
with current technology and lifestyle
David Attenborough
Agreement on climate change. We reusable cutlery when you go out, change, but only if well-crafted
must stand together as one and spark keep a jute bag handy and try to policies to reduce greenhouse gases
ambition for the world to do better buy food with the least amount of are introduced now. Time is of the
and to do more to fight the climate packaging such as loose fruit and essence if we are to tackle it. There
crisis. If we do not, we are building a vegetables, or why not try to grow can be no further delay.
world of ruin for generations to come. your own? Reduce your carbon
My message to world leaders is this:
footprint by lift sharing, walking/
Climate change will be the greatest There is no more time. No warm
cycling where possible, unplugging
challenge humanity faces and will ups, no delays. The race against
electrical appliances when not in use
affect every biological system which climate change must start now or
and swapping old incandescent light
makes Earth habitable. Already we lose our Earth. Act with your
bulbs for compact fluorescent lamp
temperatures are rising, hydrological nation’s children and their children in
lightbulbs (CFL) as they use 75%
cycles are changing and sea levels mind. We must move together, now,
less energy whilst giving the same
are rising, all of which contribute to today. Forests are burning, land is
amount of light and lasting ten times
the frequency and intensity of natural flooding, 53% of wildlife has been
as long. Imagine climate change is a
disasters. If this rise continues, food killed in half a century and there is
bear in the woods - make the trail you
production could halt and levels of no planet B. We are bringing about
leave and the impact you have on the
homelessness could rapidly spike the apocalypse with every second we
earth as minute as possible so that it
as areas become inhospitable. Even wait. How many more agonies does
can’t follow you. Most importantly, you
more species could become extinct. there have to be before you wake
can inspire others around you to do
up? We’re ready, are you?
Girlguiding Scotland believes in a the same.
better world. In 2018, Girlguiding I want young people to know that this
The Intergovernmental Panel on
asked 76,000 girls and young women is our world. Our future, our homes,
Climate Change was established in
aged 4-25 what they really care our lives. We have to raise our voices
1988, but we know scientists were
about and Future Girl was born. This as one if we are to be heard. If you
talking about global warming years
is a manifesto built around topics that are laughed at, laugh back harder.
before. The Scottish Government
matter to girls and young women and This is not a fight that we should have
passed the Climate Change
that inspire them to create change. to face and yet we must. Don’t be
(Emissions Reduction Targets) in
With one of its key focuses being the drowned out, stand tall and have your
2019, which amends the Climate
environment, Girlguiding launched the say in the crafting of the new world.
Change (Scotland) Act 2009. This
#PlasticPromise campaign in 2019. You are so very important.
legislation sets targets to reduce
This saw 113,668 people pledge to
Scotland’s total greenhouse gas Planet Earth. Our home. It’s time we
reduce plastic waste in their lives,
emissions to net zero by 2045. This stopped being the messy lodgers.
photo credit: John Mark Arnold
leading this to become the biggest
plan is ambitious and aims to get to Let’s tidy up our mess.
ever girl-led campaign to tackle
net zero five years earlier than the
plastic pollution.
global goal of 2050. With a focus on
There is power in young people. It is the principles of a Just Transition and
our future. We can make a difference. social engagement, the real question
14 w: www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk | tw: @GirlguidingScot 15
COP26 Scottish Climate Project Learning for Sustainability On Our Wavelength
As the world looks to COP26 in Glasgow in November, YouthLink Support a shift towards a more
green and sustainable youth work
– YouthLink Scotland An award nominated youth-led
research project examining the
environmental impacts of coastal
Scotland, Young Scot and Keep Scotland Beautiful are sector
YouthLink Scotland is committed to realising the ambitions
communities in Scotland including
South Ayrshire, Western Isles, North
working collaboratively to support more than 370 young people Showcase the important role of
youth work in reaching Net Zero of the 2030 Vision for Learning for Sustainability and Net Zero Berwick, Fife and Argyll and Bute. For
across the country engage and have a voice in what is set to be the and supporting youth climate
Nation Strategy. This is reflected through a number of our national
more information and content on the
project visit: On Our Wave Length |
action
most significant climate change conference we’ve experienced yet. The youth work sector now, more programmes and work streams.
Engaging Young People in Heritage
(youthlinkscotland.org)
than ever, has a leading role to play in
This Scottish Government funded • Host a youth summit to create a influencing environmental decision-
programme ensures that young Scottish youth climate declaration A flavour of our Learning for Sustainability programmes:
making and policy. We are uniquely
people play a key role within the placed to help young people and
decision-making processes and
actions that are taken in Scotland
The COP26 Scottish Youth Climate
programme also recognises and aims communities understand the climate Our Bright Future #IWill Scotland
to bolster the crucial role that youth emergency and support them to take
relating to COP26. The programme action within that space to secure Our Bright Future is an ambitious and #IWill is a movement that brings
work has to play in reaching net
also looks beyond COP26, focussing
on securing a lasting legacy and
zero. It includes a specific COP26 lasting environmental change. innovative partnership which brings
together the youth and environmental
together cross sector organisations
and young people to celebrate,
Scotland’s Young
Youth Work Champions element to
creating the building blocks for young
people to continue to be meaningfully
ensure that youth workers across
The COP26 Scottish Youth Climate
Programme is designed by young
sectors and ensures the needs of
young people and the environment
recognise and promote youth
social action and volunteering. The
People’s Forest
the country are equipped to support people for young people; it places
involved in all of Scotland’s current are heard through the promotion of movement encourages organisations A partnership project between
young people’s climate action and emphasis on supporting local climate
and future responses to the climate three youth defined asks: to create meaningful social action YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot
participation. action to create national impact; it
emergency. For young people across opportunities for young people whilst to support a panel of diverse young
celebrates and champions the role Ask 1: More time spent learning in
Scotland the programme will: For youth workers across Scotland celebrating the young people who people through the conception,
of youth work and above all secures and about nature
the programme will: are already taking action and making creation and curation phases to
• Increase climate action taken by a lasting and meaningful legacy of Ask 2: Support to get into a difference in their communities, develop Scotland’s first Young
young people Build a lasting bank of climate COP26 in Scotland. environmental jobs environment and wider society. People’s Forest. The panel consists
emergency and environmental
• Support young people as local At a time when the eyes of the world #IWill4Nature is a sub campaign that of 20 young people who are leading
youth work resources Ask 3: Government, employers,
climate champions will be on Scotland, the COP26 specifically focusses on showcasing on all aspects of the forest from the
businesses, schools and charities to
Train and develop a confident and Scottish Youth Climate Programme and encouraging environmental youth ideas through to sustainable planting
• Deliver a legacy of more young pay more attention to the needs of
well-equipped climate literate will demonstrate our commitment to social action. For more information on strategies, land ownership and
people involved in climate change young people and the environment
workforce putting young people at the heart #IWill in Scotland visit: https://www. management structures.
policy and decision making
of our work to tackle the climate To find out more about the Our youthlinkscotland.org/programmes/
emergency for future generations and Bright Future Project visit: Learning iwill-scotland/
for the future of our planet. for Sustainability | Our Bright Future
(youthlinkscotland.org)
photo credit: Agnieszka Boeske
16 e: Jsnell@youthlinkscotland.org w: www.youthlinkscotland.org | Tw: @YouthLinkScot @YoungScot @KSBScotland w: www.youthlinkscotland.org | Tw: @YouthLinkScot @#IWillScotland 17
Thriving in Our vision is of a flourishing Scotland where sustainable and
socially-just practices are the norm... and our roles and responsibilities within
uncertain times
a globally-interdependent world are recognized. Learners are educated through
their landscape and understand their environment, culture and heritage; and
develop a sense of place and belonging to their local, national and global
community, with a deep connection to the natural world. Here, learners will
Kirsten Leask of Learning for Sustainability Scotland talks understand the significance of their choices, now and in the future.
about the importance of educating our young people to be The Report of the One Planet Schools
resilient, compassionate, empathetic global citizens. Working Group (November 2012)
Learning for Sustainability Scotland Understanding – and taking action It’s at the heart of our educational We need effective, creative communities they live in and there’s “We need to encourage, respect and
is our Regional Centre of Expertise on – these big issues has never been system and it’s been an entitlement for contributors who can re-imagine never been a better time for this global cherish the capacity to care and act
on Education for Sustainable more important. More than ever, learners since 2013. and re-calibrate the future we need learning to be shared and celebrated. - whatever age our citizens are – and
Development – acknowledged by the we need an ethos of Learning for through their understanding of the from the early years to 18 (and I would
Embedding a Learning for The recent Youth Webinar facilitated
United Nations University. Sustainability to be woven across all impact of their choices on a finite argue in Further and Higher Education
Sustainability ethos provides the by the Youth Co-ordinators across
learning. Supporting and enabling planet. too). That is a central role of education.”
As Scotland’s United Nations Regional basis for truly meaningful, relevant the global UN University-supported
Centre of Expertise, we are part of a learners of all ages to acquire the and, ultimately, transformative, Professor Peter Higgins, University
skills, values, attitudes, knowledge interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral Acting locally, thinking globally network of Regional Centres of
of Edinburgh, March 2019
global network of RCEs throughout Expertise on Education for Sustainable
the UK, Europe and beyond. This and confidence needed to make a learning experiences that will help One of the most exciting aspects of
Development, is one such example It’s time for ‘sustainability’ to become
international network allows regions difference in our rapidly-changing and learners to thrive in these uncertain sustainability-related learning and
of how the voices and different a global, life-long, learning ethos – for
and countries to share and learn interconnected world has never been times. activity is the realisation that this is
perspectives of young people can everyone. It’s #TimeforLfS.
from each other, and to establish or more urgent. We need resilient, compassionate, now a global phenomenon. It may
strengthen international partnerships. be known by different names in be amplified and their inspirational
empathetic global citizens who can
Hearts, heads and hands: joined-up take on moral and ethical issues, different parts of the word, but it is practice made available to a global
Our world faces huge challenges.
learning for a better world understand a variety of perspectives truly humbling to see the passion, audience. During this webinar, young
Ecological, social and economic people from Australia, Colombia,
In Scotland, Learning for Sustainability and see ‘beyond the headlines’. knowledge and agency being
issues such as health and well-being, Zambia, Japan and Denmark shared
demonstrated by young people across
climate change, gender equality, the embodies our ambitions as a nation. We need confident, politically and
the planet. On every continent, young examples of the initiatives they are
biodiversity crisis, equity and inclusion It reflects our core values of wisdom, culturally literate individuals who can
people are increasingly taking action implementing to take action on
and how to live sustainably affect – justice, compassion, and integrity absorb and critically evaluate complex
on issues that matter to them and the sustainability-related issues.
and connect – us all; wherever we are. and the vision we have for Scotland. information.
18 w: www.learningforsustainabilityscotland.org/ | Tw: @LfSScotland 19Of all the issues that directly impact work staff to support their delivery games, challenges, short films and
on young people’s lives the Climate of the topic - Youth Work Climate other groupwork approaches. Many
Emergency arguably trumps them Change resources (padlet.com) of the young people I’m working with
all. Even if it doesn’t feel like it to are also undertaking their Duke of
In the Climate Ambassadors’ Group
everyone right now, it’s coming down Edinburgh’s Award or other youth
we’ve covered many inter-related
the line, and fast. accreditations such as John Muir,
topics during our weekly sessions,
Dynamic Youth and Saltire awards,
Youth workers have always had from food to fashion to global
meaning that they get recognition for
a key role to play in supporting warming and plastic pollution. I find it
their involvement in the group, and set
young people to navigate their useful to set this learning in a context
appropriate challenges and targets as
circumstances, learn about relevant of children’s rights, with the UNCRC
part of their youth work.
topics and raise their voice on issues also being high on the agenda, in
that affect them. In North Lanarkshire, addition to the UN Sustainable I’ve also spent some time developing
some of our youth work provision has Development Goals, right down to local and national connections with
begun to focus on the climate issue. our own North Lanarkshire local other people or organisations working
strategies. As if saving the planet in climate related areas. Importantly,
In addition to embedding climate and wasn’t enough of a raison d’etre! we have secured seats for young
environmental topics into general people around the table of North
youth work provision, we have set One of the biggest challenges as
Lanarkshire’s Strategic Partnership
up a new youth group of climate a youth worker is keeping things
Climate Emergency Steering Group
ambassadors. This is a group of positive. The potential impact of
and have facilitated discussions with
The practice of
13-to-17 year olds, who are already climate change is terrifying, and
key decision makers in our area. The
climate-aware and want to do more. discussions on the topic can feed
young people can advise the partners
into new or existing eco-anxiety,
I am certainly no expert in the topic, on the most effective approaches to
leaving young people feeling
so in preparation for supporting the engaging a wider youth audience on
hopeless and depressed. One of the
group and the wider youth work this issue, which is crucial if we are to
best antidotes to this is to support
climate curriculum I undertook some raise further awareness and action.
keeping it positive
the young people to take action.
training and upskilling to educate Even though many aspects are out
myself and continue to engage in of their control, there are plenty of
this process. The young people also changes and actions they can take
bring their own knowledge to our on an individual or collective level
group discussions. I often find I am to make a difference, so we tend
learning from them as much as they to end sessions with conversations
are learning from the information that about what we can do next to tackle
I share, which leads to a collaborative each issue. My colleagues and I
Many youth workers across the country are supporting approach to action. Over the past
year I’ve begun to compile some key
also keep the sessions as fun and
interactive as possible (we have been
young people to talk about climate change, to take sources of information and these
have been cascaded to all our youth
meeting predominantly online), by
delivering the material via quizzes,
action and to deal with anxiety about their future on this
planet. Kirstin Thomson from North Lanarkshire
Council gives us her perspective as a youth worker,
walking alongside the young people she works with.
20 21An alligator, two
Picture the scene… You’ve been One positive to come from the “McDonald’s” they cried in unison.
scratching your head over an energetic pandemic is that youth work has
“How do you know that?” asked the
group of young people that you are gained a fresh opportunity to re-wild
leader.
anxious to get on board. The local itself, doing activities that anyone can
area manifests challenges of the ilk lead using Scotland’s abundance “Everybody knows that symbol” replied
centuries and a
familiar to most Scottish towns. You of natural assets. Building on this, a group member.
believe that experiential learning is youth work can learn from the
The leader then picked up some
fundamental to transforming young Scandinavian Forest School Model.
leaves from the ground and handed
people’s lives but recognise how The principles are closely aligned
them out. Smaller than a human hand,
circumstances can be limiting. Recent with the Youth Work Outcomes. They
with a distinctive curvy edge, the
pandemic
visits to a nearby woodland have refer to activities taking place in a
leader asked what kind of tree the
opened some promising discussions woodland or natural environment to
leaves were from. The group fell into
about living creatures from bugs to support the development of a lifelong
a deep silence. Nobody could identify
badgers. On hearing that the circus relationship between the learner and
the oak tree we were sheltering under
is coming to town, you find yourself the natural world. Holistic development
at New Lanark, which incidentally
contemplating if the owner might bring of everyone is central to fostering
was old enough to have stood since
a baby alligator along to the group resilient, confident, independent,
Owen’s time.
so that they can learn more about and creative learners. It offers the
reptiles… opportunity to take supported risks Has it taken two centuries and a
Tila McDonald, the creative spark of youth and community As far-fetched as this story may seem,
appropriate to the environment and to
themselves.
pandemic for us to understand what
Robert Owen gifted to us all those
the event occurred just a mile from
development consultancy, Catch the Light, believes youth work where I am writing this article. Two
hundred years ago, Robert Owen
The Covid-19 pandemic has
highlighted the gravity of issues which
years ago? Let us continue this path
of broadening our outdoor youth work
provision. After some initial awkward
has an opportunity to re-wild itself. a cotton mill manager and social
reformer, enthusiastically promoted his
young people currently face: rising
youth mental health, obesity, reduced
sessions group members will start
showing signs of natural curiosity,
notion of a cradle-to-grave education levels of physical activity and a shift
enquiring about the names of trees
for all, which he believed would be a from child-led free play outside to
and other flora, examining animal
catalyst for a new era of a more equal leisure time indoors or more structured
droppings and footprints, or digging in
and happy society. In his address to and organised leisure activities.
the mud and under logs for minibeasts.
the people of New Lanark in January Therefore, the Forest School Model
Some like working with tools, some
1816 he declared the following: can help to strengthen youth work’s
prefer cooking on the fire whilst others
offer to young people and sharpen the
“That every individual may be trained enjoy swinging in hammocks looking
skills of our workforce.
to produce far more than he can up at the tree-canopy above. If Owen
consume, while there is a sufficiency During a recent session an is right, it may just lead to happier
of soil left for him to cultivate… experienced forest school leader and healthier people that are more
That nature has provided means by traced the outline of two arches in the connected to the planet.
which population may be at all times mud at our feet and asked if anyone
maintained in the proper state to knew what the symbol was.
give the greatest happiness to every
individual, without one check of vice or
misery.”
By borrowing the alligator from the
circus Owen demonstrated that rather
than being reduced to the four walls
of a classroom or the pages of a
textbook, learning ought to be filled
with rich experiences that excite
children and young people. Although
he invested heavily in schools and
community facilities, he advocated
children should spend as much time as
possible outside, absorbed in nature.
In the intervening years, education
reverted to class-based learning, with
outdoor playtime separated from
schoolwork. Whilst undertaking forest
school leader training, I realised how
much youth work, whilst more informal
than mainstream education, had
nevertheless assumed a predominance
of building-based work.
22 w: www.catchthelight.biz | tw: @CTL_SCO 23Here are 10 tips so you
can start today
It’s our social The 2021 report of the Climate of
Change project surveyed over 22,000
young people in Europe on their
opinions on climate change.
Get everyone onboard
01. Plan your green transition in a participatory way, invite
colleagues and those using your services (e.g. young
responsibility
65% believe that climate change will people) to brainstorm potential measures that can be
affect them personally. put in place.
66% ranked it as the first or 02. A way to motivate you along the way is to set targets.
second most important Sustainable Start off by measuring your organisation’s carbon
Development Goal “take action to footprint, water footprint and/or eco footprint to
combat climate change”. understand what your impact is today.
The United Nations report on climate 03. Introduce green practices and eco-friendly policies
change in 2021 reflects on the in everyday activities as well as office and service
to go green
alarming state of the planet and management.
emphasises that human actions still
have the potential to determine the 04. Don’t forget your digital footprint! Did you know that
future course of climate. For many an employee who participates in 15 hours of online
young people, being conscious meetings with their camera on, generates the same
about the climate is not a choice of amount of CO2 as it takes to charge your mobile phone,
interest but a necessity to secure the every day, for 3 years!
future. While many young people find
their own ways to contribute to the
fight against climate change, they
Engage young people
demand their surroundings to be 05. Raise awareness about the importance of fact-
more conscious of their environmental checking and provide young people with tools to identify
The youth work sector has the great mission of supporting impact and what this may mean for
their future.
disinformation related to environmental impact online.
06. Empower young people to reflect on their own climate
and guiding young people through some of their most As Eurodesk and ERYICA, two
European-wide youth information
networks, we have decided to embed
impact and which ways they can reduce their ecological
footprint.
transformative years. It’s a mission Eurodesk and ERYICA this consciousness and responsibility
into our everyday work. While doing
07. Organise workshops and training related to the topic.
The Greening Youth Information Guide is filled with non-
formal education activities you can carry out with young
so, we put together a guide to support
take to heart by always finding different approaches to serve other organisations and institutions in
evaluating their impact and developing
people.
young people and focus on what matters to them.
a strategy for climate actions. Going
green doesn’t have to be more costly, Create favourable policies
it is about making a conscious effort 08. Create incentives in youth activities, programmes and in
to prioritise our environment and the workplaces that favour green practices. This could be
planet when making choices. Here are done by prioritising environmentally-friendly alternatives,
some areas for reflection and where incorporating environmental awareness in training
you can start today: activities, or awarding a Green Hero of the Month - be
creative!
09. Include the topic of sustainability in training of youth
work professionals.
10. Advocate for environmentally-friendly youth programmes
by thinking of how the programmes can better inform
and create awareness, empower young people to take
action and connect green initiatives.
24 w: www.eurodesk.eu www.eryica.org | tw: @Eurodesk @ERYICAI 25Promoting youth
action for people
and planet
As a UK-wide conservation charity - dedicated to the experience,
protection and repair of wild places – we believe that wild places
are essential for people and the planet. Tackling climate emergency
and biodiversity loss is core to the work of John Muir Trust.
We work with hundreds of During Scotland’s Year of Young people’s health and wellbeing is
organisations every year who, in turn, People, we audited how Award key to ensuring they can fulfil their
engage individuals and families in our participants took action for wild potential, and for many, nature has
national John Muir Award. Each year places. Nearly 19,500 young people a lot to offer. The outdoors also
Award participants are encouraged to undertook over 29,000 days of gives countless opportunities for
connect with, enjoy and care for wild practical conservation activity to learning, skills building and personal
places – with around 90% under the benefit climate and nature. Their total development – whether developing
age of 25. Flexibility is built into the contribution was valued at over three leadership capacity, honing navigation
Award’s Four Challenges, enabling quarters of a million pounds. and surveying skills or learning to
young people to help shape their assess and manage risks.
From tackling plastic pollution by
activities and challenge themselves organising community litter picks or There’s never been a more important
from where they’re at. tree planting for flood management, time to expand opportunities for
to pollinator-friendly planting to all young people to deepen their
“Think global, act local” is a message
help urban wildlife flourish, every connection with nature. From
often referenced in conversations
Award participant takes pride in the politicians and wider society to
about planning Award activities.
difference they make. Young people local communities, organisations
It resonates well with youth work
can be empowered to broaden and youth leaders, we all have a
approaches, enabling exploration
their impact, using their voices to part to play. We’re continuing to
of the issues that matter to young advocate and campaign for the support youth workers, educators
people and reinforcing self-belief importance of our wild places in and other practitioners to inspire
that everyone can be a positive force building a more sustainable, happier our young people by encouraging
for change. and healthier society. them to connect with, enjoy and
The Award encourages meaningful participate directly in caring for wild
Research from the #iwill movement
time in nature and tackling bigger- places. Listening to young people’s
tells us that young people want to
than-self challenges through real- concerns around climate and nature
make a difference to society; and
and creating space for youth-led
photo credit: Martin MacLeod
world learning. As one young person taking action from a young age is
describes it, exploring Learning for discussion, problem solving and
key to forming habits and future
Sustainability through local action conservation is a fantastic place to
participation. Nurturing connections
start, ensuring a brighter future for our
“gives a sense of perspective and with and action for nature benefits
young people, communities and planet.
connection with the greater world.” people too. Supporting young
26 w: www.johnmuirtrust.org |tw: @JohnMuirTrust 27You can also read
