Young people to “grill” political hopefuls on climate crisis

Young people in Scotland are coming together to “grill” political parties in a special election hustings on their climate commitments amid huge fears about the climate crisis.

The youth-led event in Edinburgh on Wed 22 April will be livestreamed nationwide with questions limited to people under 30 years old. The organisers, the Scottish Youth Climate Coalition, say the climate and nature hustings in Edinburgh will be “an opportunity for young people” to hear from potential MSPs about “how they plan to handle our future.”

Research shows young people are the most worried about the future, with over two thirds of people aged 16-24 reporting that they feel worried about the future due to climate change. A similar number also say they feel their voices are not listened to by decision makers.

Young people are significantly less likely to vote than their elders with IPSOS estimating just 37% of 18-24 years old voted in the 2024 UK general election, falling from 47% the 2019 General Election.

The Scottish Youth Climate Coalition (SYCC) is made up of six of the largest youth climate organisations in Scotland – collectively representing thousands of young people aged 16-30. The Coalition consists of Young Friends of the Earth Scotland, 2050 Climate Group, Teach the Future Scotland, Young Sea Changers Scotland, Green New Deal Rising, and People and Planet Edinburgh, with support from many smaller youth groups across the country.

The hustings will take place in Augustine United Church in Edinburgh on Wed 22 April from 7-9pm.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Youth Engagement Intern Kyle Downie said:

“This is an opportunity for young people to grill those who wish to sit in the next Scottish Parliament about how they plan to handle our future.”

“If politicians want our votes, they must be willing to show how they plan on meeting the many challenges facing young people in Scotland. From worsening climate impacts, to improving bus services, to protecting Scotland’s natural environment and seas, there are many questions we need answers to.

 “It’s great to be able to bring the youth movement back together like this. As with any campaign, we’re stronger when we work together. And it’s important that this husting is youth-led, after all it’s our future these politicians are messing with!”
 
Charlotte Wilson organiser from the youth-led campaign for climate education, Teach the Future, said:

“With 16 years old able to vote in this election, we’re taking part to press candidates about their commitments to sustainable development, education, outdoor learning, global citizenship, and social welfare – collectively known as Learning for Sustainability – and pathways to green careers.”