Cumbrian school children have called for action to create sustainable transport to tackle climate change.
The youngsters made the call for action at a Youth Climate Summit held in Carlisle on October 20. The event explored the theme of making change in the community, with a specific focus on transport solutions.
They questioned how they can take local action to develop sustainable transport solutions in Cumbria and steer climate action in the county. They also heard from guest speaker Richard Ingham, Bicycle Mayor of Cumbria, about his mission to convince policy-makers to invest in more infrastructure for cycling in the county, and to grow a culture of cycling.
The young people then developed ideas for green transport options and how to bring them into action and examined how to communicate messages through different artforms, as well as how to plan a campaign that could influence their community and beyond. The children also re-imagined what Cumbria might look like with fewer cars and sustainable transport solutions.
The summit closed with schools making pledges and thinking about their next steps. The pupils are now getting ready to present their findings and discussions to decision makers in Cumbria.
Laura Goad, director from Cumbria Development Education Centre, who organised the event on behalf of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership in association with Cumbria Action for Sustainability, said: “It is always an inspiration to work with young people to build solutions for issues they are passionate about. We look forward to supporting our schools and young people to turn their ideas into actions.
“We are also grateful to the range of partners who supported the day- by delivering workshops and bringing their expertise; and a special thanks goes to the young people- Isabella, Clare and Matilda- who hosted and facilitated the event”
Partnership co-chair and CAfS chief executive, Karen Mitchell, added: “It’s been incredibly inspiring to see our young people use their voices and develop their ideas on how Cumbria can tackle the really difficult issue of reducing our polluting emissions from transport.
“Involving young people in this way is a hugely important part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership’s approach to fighting climate change. Decision makers must now respond to what our young people are demanding as it’s their futures that we must protect.”
