Hartpury University and Hartpury College have announced they are to sponsor the Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group, an exciting initiative announced by Gloucestershire County Council and Creative Sustainability.
The Youth Climate Group will take action to make a positive impact for a low carbon and resilient Gloucestershire that reduces inequities and centres the needs of people and the environment.
16-25-year-olds from the county are being invited to apply to join the group, where they’ll have an opportunity to discuss climate change matters, engage with community stakeholders, and learn from one another about climate change.
Participation in the Youth Climate Panel will provide a platform for young people in Gloucestershire to gain insight into regional issues and have their say on Gloucestershire County Council’s Climate Change Strategy in forums and meetings. The county has ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and to be net zero by 2045.
Applications to join the Core Panel of 30 young people (5 from each district) will close on 7 March although opportunities also exist to join District Groups - smaller working groups of young people organising community action in their local area to inspire others.
Stuart Emmerson, Director of Business Development at Hartpury, said: “Hartpury University and Hartpury College are delighted to help shine a light on this fantastic and important Youth Climate Group initiative. The new group and programme of activities will support young people to develop the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to have a strong voice about climate change issues locally, regionally and globally.”
Creative Sustainability, the values-led organisation in charge of coordinating the panel, provides residentials, activities, workshops, volunteering and work opportunities for marginalised people and communities across Gloucestershire. They aim to facilitate safe and supportive environments in which people can develop confidence and independence through accessing volunteering and paid work opportunities, making and maintaining new friendships, and raising self-esteem.
Polly Gannaway-Pitts, Climate Group Facilitator at Creative Sustainability, said: "Creative Sustainability is based on the values of inclusion, empowerment and sustainability. We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council to relaunch this project. We have worked with young people to develop and lead the relaunch of this group. Our focus is ensuring the youth voice is at the heart of conversation around climate change in Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group is joining our portfolio of sustainable youth projects, 3rd Space and Access Bike, and building on previous work of our former climate youth group ‘Our World’. We are looking forward to working with young people to make action happen.
"We’re grateful to Hartpury University and Hartpury College who are throwing their support behind this hugely important topic."
Hartpury’s Tech Box Park is already home to several businesses who are at the forefront of the climate agenda, including Novazera, a green tech start-up.
To find out more or apply, visit www.cscic.org/gycg, call 07984 464906 or email glosyouthclimate@cscic.org.
