Carmarthenshire’s Climate Change Education portfolio has been officially recognised in the Wales Net Zero Challenge Group’s recently published research documents.

This comprehensive report outlines a pathway for education, jobs, and community engagement to effectively address the Climate and Nature Emergency, including a summary of critical actions required across Wales by 2035.

The Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group was established in January 2023 as part of the formal Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The group aims to explore potential pathways to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, underscoring the vital role education plays in this transformation.

Established in November 2021, the Climate Action Group is a pioneering initiative formed following the Walk the Global Walk Global Citizenship Education Programme.

This group empowers young people across Carmarthenshire to become catalysts for transformational change through their engagement in climate action and sustainability efforts.

Pupils from schools throughout Carmarthenshire are invited to elect representatives to the Group, which meets quarterly to discuss climate change issues, implement recommendations from their Climate Action Manifesto, and connect with local authorities, businesses, and organisations.

The meetings foster a platform for positive change and active citizenship, creating a community united by the shared vision of protecting the planet.

The Climate Action Manifesto is integral to ensuring that young people's voices are heard in decision-making processes related to climate action.

This collaborative document was revised and relaunched in June 2024, reflecting the aspirations and recommendations of the Group’s members. The Manifesto empowers pupils to advocate for sustainable practices within their schools and communities, further enhancing their involvement in local governance.

The recognition of the Climate Action Group by the Wales Net Zero Challenge Group reinforces the importance of this model in fostering youth engagement in climate action.

The report recommends that all local authorities in Wales adopt a similar framework to empower young people and address the Climate and Nature Emergency effectively. Carmarthenshire’s School Improvement Team has played a pivotal role in driving this agenda.

The Associate Education Support Advisor for Sustainability coordinates the Climate Action Group, providing essential updates on local issues, training resources, and professional learning opportunities for educators and students alike.

This dedicated support ensures that the Group continues to thrive and make meaningful contributions to local and national sustainability goals.

Carmarthenshire’s Climate Action Group exemplifies the power of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation, and Sustainability, highlighted the importance of community engagement in tackling climate challenges: “As we confront the pressing challenges of climate change, it is crucial that we empower our communities, particularly our youth, to take an active role in sustainability efforts.

“By fostering education, promoting awareness, and encouraging collaboration among residents, businesses, and local authorities, we can drive meaningful change.

“Together, we have the power to create a more sustainable future, ensuring that we protect our planet for generations to come while also addressing the urgent needs of our communities today,” he added.