Forth Valley pupils join initiative aimed at tackling climate crisis

Pupils in Stirling and Clackmannanshire are to take part in an environmental initiative aimed at equipping the next generation with skills that will help them tackle the climate crisis. 

Young people will undertake a series of activities encouraging them to develop their own sustainable solutions to local and global environmental problems.   

The initiative will offer pupils the opportunity to meet scientists at the University of Stirling’s laboratories, take part in a tree-planting initiative, and attend a careers fair. 

The Young Pathfinders programme is an educational outreach initiative led by Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC) at the University of Stirling. SIEC is funded by a major investment delivered through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Rebecca Pankhurst, SIEC Manager at the University of Stirling, said: “The next generation will be impacted by climate change like no other.  This programme is all about providing hope and skills to young people to ensure they are equipped to support a greener and more sustainable future for their region and beyond.

“This is the fourth year of the Young Pathfinders programme, and it continues to go from strength to strength. Each year we are surprised and delighted by the innovative ways the young people find to address the climate and biodiversity loss crisis.”

This year, 31 pupils from seven local schools will participate. Graduates from the programme will be able to demonstrate enhanced environmental awareness, knowledge of green skills and green career pathways, and an understanding of regional green entrepreneurship and enterprise. 

The programme also places an emphasis on developing employability skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem solving, with the Pathfinders applying and demonstrating these skills through a group project at the end of the programme. 

The Young Pathfinders met at a launch event held at Forth Valley College in Alloa on September 24. 

Councillor Fiona Law, Clackmannanshire Council’s spokesperson for Environment and Net Zero, who attended the event, said: “I am delighted the Young Pathfinders programme has returned for a fourth year and hope all the youngsters taking part in this year’s competition find it challenging, but also interesting and enjoyable.

“We cannot shy away from the need to urgently address climate issues and Clackmannanshire Council is proud to support this initiative which aligns with our own focus on a greener, cleaner future. 

“This opportunity will test the young people’s awareness of climate issues, encourage them to devise their own sustainable solutions to environmental problems, and give them skills which I hope they’ll find useful as they take next steps into further and higher education and employment.”

The launch of the 2024/25 Young Pathfinders programme was also welcomed by Councillor Margaret Brisley, Leader of Stirling Council, who said: “It’s important our young people have the skills and knowledge to help lead the region’s transition to a thriving net zero economy. 

“The Young Pathfinders programme allows our young people to take part in a wide range of exciting activities that empower them to tackle the environmental and climatic issues in our communities and equip them for future careers in a key sector.  

“I’m delighted to see the initiative return for a fourth year and I know this year’s participants will display the same enthusiasm and creativity as previous cohorts. Good luck to everyone involved.”

Established as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, Scotland’s International Environment Centre is a pioneering collaboration that will create an innovation community in the Forth Valley, driving the creation of a net zero regional economy and acting as a global exemplar of low-carbon growth.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8m, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.