The Shetland Climate Festival is to return – featuring a film and book launch highlighting views from young people on climate change.
The Shetland Climate Festival is to return – featuring a film and book launch highlighting views from young people on climate change.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday the 13th of September at the Clickimin Bowls Hall from 10am to 4pm, and will showcase poems, illustrations and stories from pupils across Shetland.
It builds on the Council’s first Shetland School Climate Roadshows – with members of the Climate Change Strategy Team delivering workshops and gathering views.
Pupils are being invited to submit competition entries to feature in the book called Climate Change From a Young Person’s Perspective.
The roadshows aim to empower young people, raise climate change awareness in the community and encourage more people to talk about climate change. There will also be an art installation at the festival featuring young people’s ideas and thoughts on climate change in their local areas.
The festival will include a range of organisations including Home Energy Scotland, SHEAP, and the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.
There will be practical advice for householders, businesses and community groups. This covers things like heating, recycling and making greener choices. Information throughout the day will explain what climate change means from a Shetland perspective.
As well as exhibitors, there will be a programme of workshops and presentations, and the schools roadshow film will be launched on the day.
Shetland Islands Council’s Team leader for Climate Change Strategy is Claire Ferguson. She says: “We’ve continued to grow the festival and we’re building on the success of last year’s event which saw more than 350 people attend.
“We know that climate change is a big subject and we want people to come along and understand what that means for them, and what they can do to help too. It’s a family-friendly event and we’re keen for people to come away with lots of practical help and tips.”
Moraig Lyall, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee, says: “The Shetland Climate Festival is an important date in the calendar. It’s a chance for the Council to show the steps it’s taking to address our climate change obligations but also to help everyone else understand the steps they can take too. It takes a broader look at the particular challenges facing Shetland.
“Hearing from a wide range of people, including young people, and putting their thinking at the forefront of the festival is key. Their future is being shaped and we need to continue the conversation around climate change.”
In the coming months, a full programme will be made available on the Council’s Climate Change webpage at www.shetland.gov.uk/climate-change