Shortlist announced for 2023 Holyrood Climate Action Heroes

A University of Edinburgh "vape crusader" and an ambitious forestry project entirely managed by young Scots represent a growing number of youth-led initiatives in the running for a Holyrood Climate Action Award.

Multi-award-winning environmental campaigner Laura Young and The Scottish Young People’s Forest are amongst 17 organisations or individuals whose work will be recognised at this year’s ceremony in central Edinburgh.

A robotic spy whale which is the subject of a BBC documentary is also amongst the diverse and innovative nominations to make this year’s shortlist.

Launched in 2021 to coincide with Glasgow’s hosting of COP26, the Holyrood Climate Action Awards (formally the Green Giant Awards) recognise key players across seven categories including technology, nature, community, and the circular economy who are making significant contributions to Scotland’s Net Zero journey.

Alongside the winners for each individual category, the lifetime achievement award (supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) will be announced during the ceremony to honour an individual who has made a significant contribution to climate justice in Scotland.

The awards and ceilidh will be held on 8 November at the George Edinburgh, and are a popular part of Holyrood’s now annual Climate Action Summit, which will take place 8-9 November at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. This year’s summit has drawn a stellar lineup of speakers including Professor Jim Skea, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and eminent economist Prof Mariana Mazzucato. 

The shortlist in full:

Nature and the Environment Award (supported by Autonomous iOt)

· #BaldragonGrows

· Peatland Action

· The Ethical Dairy

Technology and Innovation Award

· AECOM EcoUplift

· Dundee and Angus College Electric Vehicle School

· East Lothian Council LHEES Strategy

Circular Champion Award (Supported by Zero Waste Scotland)

· EGG Lighting Remanufacture

· Laura Young Ban Disposable Vapes campaign

· Redeem Exchange

Climate and Community Award

· Greener Kirkcaldy

· Greenpeace local groups

· ONECAN Community Net Zero Strategy

Youth Champion Award

· Pint and a Plan

· Scotland's Young People's Forest

· Team BE-Napier Bamboo-Timber Composite Gridshell

Seas and Coasts Award

· Robotic Spy Whale

· Seawilding