Young people called upon to have their say on the future of Scotland’s environment

Young Scottish people will get the opportunity to have their say on the future of Scotland’s environment by applying to join the Climate Challenge Fund panel.

The young people chosen will sit on the CCF panel, working with national youth organisation Young Scot and environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful along with other panel members to make recommendations about how to improve Scotland’s environment. Any recommendations about future funding will then go to the cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform.

The CCF is a Scottish Government grants programme, managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, which helps communities run projects designed to reduce carbon emissions in their local area. Previous projects have included advising communities how to improve their energy efficiency, creating schemes to tackle waste, and brainstorming lower carbon travel options for residents.

Local organisations can apply for CCF funding to help carry out environmental projects in their communities.

Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Many young people have a real passion for the environment, which is why I think it is important that they have a say in which projects will affect them in their future.”

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “Having young people involved in the climate change panel is a great idea – the panel will be able to draw on the experiences and views of young people to enhance their decision making.”

Scots interested in environmental issues and aged between 16 and 26 can apply by 28th August.