Councillors discuss climate change at Oban High School
By Oban High School pupils
Anna and Maisie
A Question Time-style debate was held at Oban High School to give pupils the opportunity to discuss climate change and ask what Argyll and Bute Council is doing to combat the ever-pressing issue.
George Baxter from Green Power, chairing the event, introduced the panel of Jim Lynch, chairman of Oban FM and board member of Oban Phoenix Cinema as well as being a local councillor, along with Councillor Kieron Green. He then highlighted the importance of the gathering, saying: ‘I encourage you all to give renewable energy a good look as you think about your future careers.’
Argyll and Bute has great potential for using renewable energy. Some of the advantages spoken of were the masses of spare land, wind power opportunities on the islands, and potential for tidal power off the coast.
The next topic discussed was how Argyll might reduce carbon emissions through transport. The councillors spoke of the bus services already available and encouraged us all to make use of these. Scotland aims to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2045.
The issue of compost bins was also discussed. Argyll and Bute Council advises people to compost in their gardens, but cannot, unfortunately as yet, provide compost bins. Regarding recycling, the councillors reassured the pupils of their personal investment and admitted the council is lagging behind others in Scotland.
The general point, which has been emphasised by many involved in action for the climate emergency, that we need to stop blaming the consumer and put pressure on governments, was well understood by the panel.
It was fabulous to see councillors come to discuss climate change in our school, with the younger generation within Argyll and Bute engaging many listeners.