Wicklow County Council recognises the voice of young people and their prominent role in calling for the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency. Young people will be more impacted by climate change than older generations. The youth of County Wicklow have a key in finding and implementing solutions that will build a more resilient future. They are advocate for action as well as drivers for progress. Wicklow County Council works with youth across a wide range of services and in collaborations with partners in the youth sector.
The Wicklow Comhairle n’Og, Wicklow Youth Council, gives voice to young people in County Wicklow. Wicklow County Council encourages participation by youth and is guided by their contribution on a range of issues that affect them and their future. The Wicklow Climate and Biodiversity Special Policy Committee, SPC, is proud to have a Comhairle representative as a member, the first such representation on a SPC. This allow youth participation in developing climate policy in Wicklow County Council. To find out more about the work of the Wicklow Comhairle visit here
Wicklow County Council has partnered with An Taisce on Green Schools since 1998. The programme engages students in developing actions that deliver on sustainability and environmental protection in the their schools and across the wider community. The Environmental Awareness Office provides support and advice to participating schools. School use a seven step environmental management system with students empowered to lead and make decision to imporve their school. To learn more about Green Schools visit here An Taisce also run a Climate Ambassadors programme which encourages participation by young people. The programme provides training and networking oppportunities for leadership on Climate Action. More details are available here
Relove Fashion and initiative developed by Wicklow County Council in partnership with the Rediscovery Centre and local authorities from the Eastern Midlands region allows student to explore their creativity with textiles. Relove Fashion emvcourages young people to look at circularity in the Fashion industry and how their actions can extend the durability of textiles creating new uses for old garments.