#ScotClimateWeek
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Since 2016, communities and organisations from across Scotland have come together for Scotland’s Climate Week. This year, the focus is on climate action and provides us with the chance to learn more about tackling climate change by sharing ‘Stories for Change’. At DYW we have a lot to share about the work that goes on through our network to support change and some exciting news on a new competition launch too! |
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Net Zero Nation highlight that Scotland led the world in becoming one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency in April 2019 and has set an ambitious target to become ‘Net Zero’ by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK. It’s recognised that 62% of changes needed to achieve net zero can only happen with societal or individual behaviour change. We aim for our work at DYW with our employer partners and with a refreshed ‘Learning for Sustainability Action Plan’ delivered in education we can all be part of the change.Alongside this, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a globally recognised roadmap for the future we aspire to, yet only 16% of SDG Targets are currently on track to be achieved by 2030. Partners of DYW, ACS Clothing, recognise awareness of the Goals as extremely low in the UK—only 1 in 10 adults are familiar with them and they are keen to accelerate progress.
To increase awareness and engagement, Lily Venables, Project Manager at UN Global Compact, shares the newly launched competition for Scottish School pupils:
“We are calling on students across Scotland to design T-shirts that raise awareness of the UN SDGs and inspire action. Through this competition, students will explore the 17 SDGs and creatively express their understanding of these global Goals, imagining the world they want to help build, through original T-shirt designs. Selected designs will be made available for purchase on the UN Global Compact Network UK store, with all proceeds supporting efforts to advance progress on the SDGs.”
Anthony Burns, COO, ACS Clothing, advocates for sustainable practices and leads from the front with their circular economy business model;
“At ACS Clothing, we believe that sustainability is not just an option—it’s an imperative for the future of the fashion industry. The environmental and social impacts of traditional fashion models are simply unsustainable, and it’s crucial that we transition to a circular approach that prioritises reducing waste, reusing resources, and designing with the future in mind. Through initiatives like My Fashion Path, we have the opportunity to empower the next generation of designers, consumers, and innovators to embrace sustainable practices from the start.
Employers must take responsibility by embedding circular principles in their operations, and educators play a key role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to drive this change. Together, we can build a fashion industry that not only meets today’s needs but ensures a healthy planet for tomorrow.”
Through DYW employers engage with young people in schools to help them prepare for the world of work, through these employer experiences young people can explore and learn how sustainability is not someone else’s responsibility, but how this is embedded in how we live and work. Here are some more examples of the work going on across Scotland; In May, DYW Glasgow hosted the COB Futures event, sponsored by Barclays, in collaboration with DYW Lanarkshire & East Dunbartonshire and DYW West. The event involved support from some big names across a variety of sectors, including Balfour Beatty, Lush, Scottish Power, SSE and more! Having worked closely with numerous DYW Regional Groups, TV presenter and interior designer, Anna Campbell-Jones, also made an appearance. At the event, over 200 S3 pupils learned about sustainable careers through expert panel discussions and a series of fun interactive workshops which involved powering balloon cars and creating bath bombs. Watch the video to learn more:
Through Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, DYW Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire hosted their flagship event ‘Step into the Future Jobs,’ in partnership with South Lanarkshire College & City of Glasgow Colleges. The aim of the event is to provide senior phase secondary school pupils with a wider understanding of Apprenticeships, Future Jobs, and the Green & Sustainable Jobs Sector and the potential career opportunities in those fields. Collaboration with Powering Futures in DYW Fife, led to the delivery of an event in Madras College which engaged a group of S5/6 pupils in the Fuel Challenge — an initiative aimed at fostering meta skills while addressing issues related to unsustainable transport.
In May this year, DYW Ayrshire worked with Merck Curiosity Cube to host a STEM Activities event for S1 pupils to raise awareness of STEM careers and to increase awareness of the impacts of fast fashion. This focused sustainability and took pupils through the various stages involved in the life cycle of a t-shirt and opportunities for sustainability within the fashion industry including different fabrics made from recyclable materials.
DYW Borders worked with several employers in their region in May and June this year delivering STEM Enrichment Afternoons. S2 and S3 pupils completed activities with employers, which provided them with the opportunity to learn about sustainability, net zero and ocean health. To promote sustainable transport, pupils also learned about bike maintenance.
Ready to Inspire Change?
There are so many ways to get involved in supporting the change. Through DYW, employers can bring this into the classroom with real life and work scenarios and career learnings, employers can inspire the minds of Scotland’s future workforce, our future leaders and society.
If you would like to get involved or learn more, please email us at dyw@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
