Youths make their promise to the planet

The call was made by members of the Scottish Borders Youth Ambassadors for Sustainability, who had produced a short inspiring video with the help of youth engagement worker at Scottish Borders Council Pam Rigby, which explained how the climate emergency is threatening all the things we love and appreciate about living in the region and what we can do about it.

“The group of young people from across the Borders represent all five area partnerships,” said Pam.

“They all have an interest in the climate emergency, ensuring young people’s voices are heard on these issues, and finding ways to educate and engage the community in tackling climate change.”

The young ambassadors have each made a promise to take a minimum of one action during 2021 that will contribute to tackling climate change.

Liberty Barber from Kelso said: “For our new campaign, my promise to the planet is to attend as many litter picks and river clean-ups as possible in future.

“I hope others also make a promise to the planet and do their best to support the movement to stop the climate crisis.”

Emily Gibson from Hawick added: “I got involved as I wanted to make positive changes in my community and be a part of the solution to different environmental issues.

“I care a lot for the planet and fear the future of it. I want to help make sure disaster is prevented. My promise to the planet is to grow my own produce, to reduce my food miles.

“My hope for others, is to be aware of the damage being done to the environment and to make their promises to help prevent catastrophe.”

So whether you decide to grow your own veg or help clean up a river, change your tea bags to more sustainable ones or stop buying fast fashion, support a wildlife cause or plant a tree, all these small things add up and make a huge difference in supporting our land, our wildlife, our waters, and each other, at home in our own communities and across the planet.

The young climate activists also want people to join in their ‘Promise to the Planet’ campaign, by sharing photographs or short video clips about what they are going to do in 2021 to help save the planet using the hashtag #OurPromiseToThePlanet.”

These can be shared to @SBYVoice on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More information about the Scottish Borders’ Youth Ambassadors for Sustainability and their campaign is available at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/ sbyv or by emailing: [email protected].