Sustainable(ish) [133] YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION WITH THE UK SCHOOLS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK
We've had a few episodes on the podcast exploring 'climate education' where I've chatted to various people about the brilliant projects they're involved in to encourage and facilitate education around climate issues in schools. But we haven't heard from any of the young people currently in the education system! This episode hopefully helps to rectify that as I'm chatting to not just one young person but four, all from the UK Schools Sustainability Network, along with Dr Jess Tipton, head of Youth Networks at Global Action Plan, the charity who are hosting the project.
The UKSSN was created in Spring 2021 as an umbrella organisation for the regional student sustainability networks that were starting up around the country. It provides students and staff with a way to connect with peers, share ideas and resources, collaborate on local, national and international initiatives, and develop personal, social and workplace skills. They have quickly become a force to be reckoned with and are actively involved in talks with the Department for Education about their review of, and plans for, climate education in schools, and had a team of representatives at COP26 in Glasgow at the end of last year.
I am in absolutely in awe of these young people and their passion, eloquence, resilience and determination.
At the same age, I was in no way engaged with the world in the same way that these students are - my main concern was getting home in time to watch the Home and Away/Neighbours double bill. I am hugely inspired by them, but at the same time find myself feeling guilty and so incredibly sad that this is something that is a part of their lives and their consciousness. That they have this huge, complex, terrifying issue looming over their lives, when they should be thinking about going out with their mates, studying for exams, and looking forwards to an exciting future.
I'm very aware of not falling into the narrative that says "Hurray for the young people, for they will save us!", because that's not fair. It's our generation and those before us that have created this crisis, and it's very much on us to do everything we can to cut carbon and sustain a liveable planet for future generations, but I don't think you can listen to this episode and not feel inspired and hopeful that these young people are part of the conversation, and are helping to create solutions.
Enjoy!
LISTEN...
CHECK OUT...
- UKSSN
- Website
- Twitter
- IG
- at COP26 - Global Action Plan
- Transform Our World on Global Action Plan - Jess Tipton on Twitter
- Jess Tipton on Linked In
- [098] - EcoSchools with Lee Wray-Davies
- [117] - Transforming Education with the Ministry of Eco Education
- [130] - More Climate Education Good Stuff with Paula Malone
- The Sustainable(ish) FB group
DO...
- Share this episode with any young people you know who might be looking to connect with people on the same journey as them
- Ask your local school if they're aware of UKSSN and/or want to join
- Let the young people you know who are engaged with climate action that you're very much with them, are supporting them, and importantly taking action to help
How engaged or otherwise were you when you were younger?
Let me know in the comments
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