Environment committee to hear from young climate change protestors

Young climate change demonstrators from across Scotland will meet with members of the Scottish Parliament environment committee next week ahead of a stage one debate on the climate change bill.

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will also appear in front of the committee to discuss the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill, which targets a 90 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, alongside plans to adopt a net-zero target when a "clear pathway" exists to achieve it.

But while the Scottish Government hailed the bill as containing the most ambitious targets in the world, the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee recently warned a "greater urgency of action" was needed, recommending that ministers should review targets based on fresh advice requested from the independent Committee on Climate Change.

During their trip to parliament, 13 young people, aged seven to 17, will discuss what motivated them to take part in global climate protests, as well as what actions they think Scotland should take in order to mitigate climate change.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the committee convener, Gillian Martin MSP said: “The passion and the commitment of the young people has been inspiring. The impact of climate change will affect their generation most, so it is understandable that they want to see change and they want to see it quickly.

“We are looking forward to meeting these young people to find out more about what inspired them to take part in this global movement and what they are doing to ensure that their voices are heard loud and clear.

“By having the opportunity to meet the IPCC at the parliament, the young people will meet with those whose job it is to advise governments across the world on ways to mitigate climate change.

“There is no second chance with climate change, so it is vital we listen to all ideas for change and act on these in order to make a real difference.”