Carnoustie pupils take on climate challenge

Run by business transformation enterprise Fuel Change, it brought together schools, educators and businesses to engage the Next Generation on driving a positive transition to net zero through skills development.

The unique Fuel Change Challenge Programme for schools, colleges and the workplace tasks participants aged 16-25 to take on a real-world climate challenge that has been set by industry, collaborate on a solution and present it.

Fuel Change Live - a one-day showcase hosted in Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth - saw more than 50 pupils from across Scotland take part in a ‘Super Sprint’ challenge that had been set by industry partner Scottish Water. Throughout the day, pupils Beth Garness and Lucy Fleming developed their skills and confidence in research, communication and teamwork as they collaborated with other students to create a bespoke solution, with local MSP Graeme Dey dropping in to see the teams in action.

Having launched in 2020, Fuel Change has already worked with 1500 participants and established partnerships with 115 organisations to solve decarbonisation challenges and unleash talent within the Next Generation.

The Fuel Change Challenge for Education - an SCQF-level 6 accredited programme for senior-phase high school and college students - is under way in 21 pathfinder secondary schools across Scotland.

The equivalent National Workplace Challenge for workers aged 16-25 will begin in February, with businesses being urged to participate in the programme.

Mr Dey said: "It is incredibly important to engage young people in climate issues and equip them with the skills they need for the future workplace. That's why I was delighted to meet Beth and Lucy at Fuel Change Live and to hear about their creative solutions to some of the biggest issues facing our planet today.

"It's fantastic that Carnoustie High School were able to take part, with Fuel Change's ambition to engage every school and college in their pioneering programme, I am excited to see what comes next!"

Anna Bell, Challenge for Education programme co-ordinator at Fuel Change, said: “Fuel Change Live was a fantastic showcase of what our Next Generation can achieve when given the right tools to expand their climate literacy and future workplace skills.

“We are delighted that pupils from Carnoustie High School were able to join us at Fuel Change Live to demonstrate their creative solutions to real-life business sustainability challenges to the business and skills community, and their local MSP Graeme Dey.

“Fuel Change has ambitions to roll out the Challenge for Education Programme to every school and college in Scotland. The participation of these schools in Fuel Change Live makes them a real trailblazer in climate education - empowering the Next Generation to change the world for the better, and investing in the skills that will be key assets for prospective future employers.”