Climate Action Manifesto

Young people in Carmarthenshire are taking the lead to tackle climate action as part of a project which mobilizes young people as catalysts for transformational change. Through the Walk the Global Walk project, Carmarthenshire’s Global Goalkeepers have created a manifesto for Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action Sustainable Development Goal 13 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts’.

The recommendations were arrived at through discussions with Global Goalkeepers from partner countries, councillors and council officers, teachers, representatives from the Youth Council, Dolen Cymru Lesotho and Keep Wales Tidy.

Representing the young people of Carmarthenshire, they have become acutely aware of the dangers to their own generation and to future generations posed by inaction in the face of climate change. The climate emergency is already affecting millions around the world, hitting hardest those with the least resources to deal with it.

They are making lifestyle changes as individuals and leading actions in their schools and communities to adapt to and mitigate climate change. However, if there is to be a meaningful impact, they cannot do this alone. They have asked the council to pledge its commitment to climate action:

1. Promote the development of green spaces and support the planting of native tree species, a minimum 10 trees in each school, or school community if the school grounds are not suitable, and ensure their continued safety
2. Encourage and support safe and sustainable transport for schools including car sharing, walking and cycling e.g. provision of cycle shelters.
3. Establish a climate action consultation body made up of a representative group of local young people, councillors, council officers and local businesses who meet every 3 months to ensure progress on this manifesto.
4. Provide support to developing countries to combat the impact of climate change e.g. by supporting the Size of Wales initiative
5. Support the creation of gardens in schools and local communities to provide food and encourage biodiversity e.g. provide peat-free seeds and fertilisers.
6. Double the council's use of hybrid and electric vehicles and install electric charging points in appropriate primary and secondary schools by January 2022.
7. Work together with schools and suppliers to reduce single use plastic use in schools by January 2022.
8. Ensure that young people have the support they need to carry out relevant climate actions.

Signed by Global Goalkeepers and Teachers from:

• Ysgol Bro Dinefwr
• Coedcae Comprehensive School
• Glan-y-Mor School
• Ysgol Gyfun y Strade
• Queen Elizabeth High School
• Carmarthenshire Youth Council

Approved by representatives of Carmarthenshire County Council and NGOs:

• Gareth Morgans, Director of Education
• Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs
• Rebecca Stone, Carbon Reduction Officer
• Polly Seton, Officer for International School Linking
• Bethan Evans Phillips, Eco-schools Officer, Keep Wales Tidy
• Mandy Ballett & Sharon Flint, Education Officers, Dolen Cymru Lesotho