YOUNG people in Somerset are campaigning for action to be taken on climate change and environmental issues.

Somerset Youth Parliament are running a campaign called 'Save Our Environment'.

Oban Mackie, a Somerset Youth Parliament elected member, is leading the campaign.

He said young people are "passionate" and "committed" to saving the planet.

"In November 2020, 11 to 18-year-olds voted across the UK in the national, annual Make Your Mark Big Vote, to prioritise the climate and stop plastic pollution," he said.

"It’s a couple of years since they bravely brought their challenge to governments across the world, and demonstrated in local authority communities, including Somerset."

Mr Mackie also explained that we still see plastic being used in schools, offices and shops in Somerset, which puts our "safety" and the "enjoyment" of our county at risk.

"Given the passion and commitment of our young people, it is a great opportunity and not too late to bring young people to the table of decision making and embed our voices consistently alongside adult decision makers through planning and development processes," he added.

"Respecting young people by involving them would elevate those voices missing from the draft local Climate Strategy, rather than the document appearing to be written by adults for adults.

"Young people should have more say in the local climate agenda if we’re to succeed in the journey towards a greener, more resilient and inclusive Somerset."

And so Mr Mackie has set up the 'Save Our Environment' campaign to work with young people in the South West and call for more to be done.

Somerset Youth Parliament elected deputy member, Lara Martin, added: “The change is needed now before we face the consequences, and young people can bring that change. We are the driving force to help solve this crisis.”

The Youth Parliament is a body funded by the government in order to bring young people’s voices to decision making in government both on a county level (including frequent discussions with the county council) and on a national level.

To find out more about Youth Parliament or to contact Mr Mackie, email mackieoban@gmail.com