New funding has been announced in an effort to get more children and young people involved in the landmark COP26 climate change conference, which starts in Glasgow on 31 October.
A further £35,000 in funding from the Scottish government will increase the reach of initiatives from ReNew the World and Campaign Collective, which organise events to meet world leaders and climate activists.
The funding will also support the Climate Changemakers programme from the Children’s Parliament, which will provide opportunities for children aged up to 14 to share their ideas for tackling the climate crisis.
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In July, the Scottish government announced £450,000 to support COP26’s Youth Climate Programme, followed by a further £300,000 in September to fund the Conference of Youth.
Clare Haughey, minister for children and young people, said: “Children and young people in Scotland are driving forward the cause for climate action and it is vital we listen to their views and harness their passion as part of COP26 and its legacy.
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“We have now invested £950,000 to involve our children and young people in COP26 and the ongoing climate conversation. This will ensure they not only have a strong voice during the event, but also have a say in what should happen after.”
ReNew the World director Ewan Hunter said: “COP26 provides the opportunity for the world to look at the challenges we face on climate in a rational but optimistic, positive way - one based upon renewal, innovation and opportunity.
“By creating the opportunities for engagement, we can give these young people the chance to write a very different story for their generation’s future and their vision of our collective journey to net zero.”
Last month the Scottish government announced £160,000 of funding for Local Authority Climate Champions. The programme is being delivered with Young Scot, YouthLink Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The Children’s Parliament will receive £15,000 to support its Climate Changemakers programme.
Meanwhile, school cleaners and cooks are set to join refuse workers on strike in Glasgow during COP26 over a pay dispute.
Cleansing workers and school support staff who are members of the GMB union voted in favour of industrial action that could disrupt the climate summit starting next month.
A total of 1,500 Glasgow City Council staff in the refuse, cleansing, school janitorial and catering sectors could strike because of the ongoing pay dispute, with 96.9 per cent of returned ballots backing industrial action.
GMB members rejected a £850-a-year increase for staff earning up to £25,000 a year from local authorities’ umbrella body Cosla, with the union - along with Unison and Unite - all calling for a £2,000 pay rise.
Cosla said negotiations were ongoing.