1.5 Max highlighted the climate crisis and the need for immediate, collective global climate action to slow down the increase in global temperatures essential to protect the planet for future generations. It brought together 11 Scottish schools together with schools from Mozambique, Nepal and Malawi to learn more about the climate emergency.
How can we secure net zero by 2030 and keep 1.5 degrees within reach if young people are not learning about our global targets?
Local and global connections
The initiative reinforced the vital importance of climate education and learning for sustainability as an entitlement for all young people locally, nationally and globally. Without this education, our young people will be ill-prepared and less able to make informed sustainable choices. How can we secure net zero by 2030 and keep 1.5 degrees within reach if young people are not learning about our global targets and have no or little understanding of the concept of a circular economy? It is vital that all young people gain a deeper understanding of the science behind global warming and the opportunity to problem solve and think creatively about possible solutions to these global issues.
A key aspect was the opportunity for young people from all around Scotland, to collaborate with young people from schools in Mozambique, Nepal and Malawi on climate change issues and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing governments and policy makers the world over.
Our young people were shocked and horrified to hear from young people in Mozambique about the air pollution and toxins created by the burning of single use plastics close to their school.
Taking action
Our young people were shocked and horrified to hear from young people in Mozambique about the air pollution and toxins created by the burning of single use plastics close to their school. Further research revealed that some of the containers of plastic had been shipped from the UK. This understanding of social injustice coupled with an awareness of how local actions have global impacts compelled the young people to do something about it. They pledged to take action to minimise single use plastic consumption within the school and community and to promote sustainable reusable alternatives. Their commitment to the campaign is admirable and it’s encouraging to see how they are using their voice and creative skills to raise awareness of the devastating impact of our throw away plastic culture on the environment and global temperatures.
Ultimately, it was the voices of other young people taking part in the 1.5 Max Summit who had been affected by plastic pollution that created the most powerful catalyst for climate action within our school.
Catalyst for change
The timing of the 1.5 Max Summit could not have been better as it aligned with COP26 preparations and provided young people with the background knowledge and skills to gain a deeper understanding of the COP26 decision making process and targets set to allow for a fair and just transition for all while keeping the goal of 1.5 degrees max in reach.
Ultimately, it was the voices of other young people taking part in the 1.5 Max Summit who had been affected by plastic pollution that created the most powerful catalyst for climate action within our school. The future of the planet is in our hands and we are committed to work together to protect the planet for all who live on it.
Find out more
For more about the summit and useful resources visit the 1.5 Max website
Please visit here and you can also use the QR code to Bell Baxter High School’s Global Goals Instagram account.
