Following on from the publication of Creative Scotland's Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan last year and the appointment of Karen Ridgewell as Climate Emergency and Sustainability Lead in January, in this month's Spotlight, we introduce her, and share some more information about the plan and the focus for the coming year.
London, UK. 9th October 2019. Protesters in the Mothers March during the Extinction Rebellion two week long protest in London. Credit: Joe Kuis / Alamy News, Alamy Stock Photo.
It is the last week of April and as I write, I am looking out over the River Tay watching snow fall from the sky, hoping the seeds sown last weekend in brilliant sunshine, will make it.
Incidents of out of season and extreme weather are on the increase, and are one of the visible reminders that we are experiencing the impact of a changing climate here in Scotland. It is not a far-removed concept, it is here, now.
The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act of 2019 is a piece of legally binding legislation that includes annual targets and some significant milestones. While there is a focus on the achievement of net-zero by 2045, it is the larger, much closer jumps between 2020 and 2030 and 2040 which will force significant change to our systems, behaviours and built environment.
2030 is less than seven years away. Children that are currently in nursery school will, in theory, be living in a society that has successfully achieved a 75% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) on 1990 levels when they are transitioning between primary and secondary school. With that target in mind, it is time to acknowledge that incremental change is not enough, and that transformational system change is necessary.
We recognise that contributing to this change in society will mean changes in how we work and the work we do, as well as changes in the arts, screen, and creative industries that we support.
Incremental changes by separate organisations and individuals will not enable Scotland to reach net-zero in a climate-just manner and will fail to build a fair and equitable Scotland that is adapted to the impacts of a changing climate.
Transformational change, where we not only do what we do differently but do different things, will change the system itself as well as elements of the system.
Such change is a long-term process, and our Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan will shape our work for years to come. It also involves working with partners within and beyond the arts, screen, and creative industries. It may mean a re-imagining of the cultural built estate and the ways in which people meet and enjoy culture in their daily lives. It will certainly mean support for inspirational and innovative work by individuals and organisations which responds to the challenges of a changing climate in the form, production and content of work produced.
Hear more from Karen on what we'll be working on this year
It's #EarthDay2023, one year since the launch of our Climate Emergency & Sustainability Plan 🌿
— Creative Scotland (@CreativeScots) April 22, 2023
This #EarthDay, we're delighted to introduce Karen Ridgewell, our Climate Emergency & Sustainability Lead, who joined us this year
More:https://t.co/ojQWMRjbb8#InvestInOurPlanet pic.twitter.com/reahryCHU4
Everyone across Scotland has a part to play in the achievement of our national emissions reduction targets, and we at Creative Scotland are committed to using our work to ensure that Scotland’s arts, screen, and creative industries make an invaluable and significant contribution to addressing the climate emergency that affects us all, locally, nationally, and internationally.
We’ve identified over 60 targets in our Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan, some focusing on immediate change, others on the long term. During 2023/24, I will be working with staff to focus on transport, which is one of Scotland’s largest generators of greenhouse gas emissions. We will be undertaking a review of our contribution to those emissions and the organisational change needed for us to prioritise low impact travel choices.
We would encourage everyone to consider how your projects can and do contribute to what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge. Together we can work towards making change.
We cannot wait until the perfect solution presents itself, we must work in collaboration and partnership to get started. At some point in the future, we will all need to be climate emergency and sustainability leads, ensuring that the impact on the planet is incorporated into every choice we make. I’m hoping that my appointment will allow myself and my colleagues at Creative Scotland to support others on their journey towards that point.
If you would like to find out more about the Climate Emergency or if you have project in mind, I’ve pulled together some funding links and resources you might find interesting.
And if you’d like to know more about my work, or share your thoughts, get in touch with me at Karen.Ridgewell@creativescotland.com
Earth Percent is a charity providing a simple way for the music industry to support the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency.
Sustrans Arts Roots fund is a community fund for artistic and aesthetic improvements along traffic-free National Cycle Network routes in Scotland, including one-off performances
The National Lottery's Climate Action Fund – Nature and Climate is looking for projects that focus on the link between nature and climate. The fund will close on 30 June.
The Scottish Education and Action for Development (SEAD) fund invites small community groups and individuals to apply for funds to run or kick start campaign activity that engages with people, has a demonstrable impact and aims to link local issues with those being experienced by others around the world (young people and climate justice).
The 2050 Climate Group is a youth-led volunteer-driven charity bursting with fresh ideas and passion with a mission to lead a social movement by empowering young people to take climate action.
Young people’s unprecedented mobilisation around the world shows the massive power they possess to hold decision-makers accountable. The UN's Youth in Action page has lots of resources, stories and tips for how young people can get involved in affecting change.
Voices of Youth is a dedicated platform for young advocates to offer inspiring and original insights on issues that matter to them.
The Scottish Youth Parliament elections are due to take place in November 2023. Explore their campaigns and get ready for candidate registration to open on 15 May.
The Great Big Green Week is planned for 10 to 18 June and is the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
Oxfam’s support for teachers and educators working with young people aged 9 to 16 on how to Take Action for Climate Justice.
WWF have produced a range of curriculum linked resources for the classroom to help pupils explore the issues of climate change in an engaging and motivating way.
The Ministry of Eco Education is a collaboration of teachers working together to place sustainability at the heart of education.
Learning for Sustainability Scotland is Scotland’s United Nations University-recognised Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development. Find out more about their work to make sustainability part of the everyday for all learners and educators.
NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency, working to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Read their report 'Teaching, learning and play in the outdoors: a survey of provision in Scotland in 2022.'
Creative Carbon Scotland works directly with individuals, organisations and strategic bodies engaged across cultural and sustainability sectors to harness the role of culture in achieving this change.
Julie’s Bicycle is a pioneering not-for-profit, mobilising the arts and culture to take action on the climate and ecological crisis.
Music Declares Emergency is encouraging businesses to join together and showcase the amazing work being done within the music industry as part of Turn Up the Volume.
Read Clean Scene's report Last Night: A DJ Took A Flight, exploring the carbon footprint of touring DJs and looking towards alternative futures within the music industry.
Massive Attacks has worked with the Tyndall Centre on a Roadmap to Super Low Carbon Live Music.
Learn about a Scottish music venue's journey to net zero with SWG3.
Fancy exploring some reading material?
For ages 5 to 8, The Story of Climate Change by Catherine Barr and Steve Williams, published by The Quarto Group.
For ages 10+, Climate Crisis for Beginners by Eddie Reynolds, Andy Prentice and illustrated by El Primo Ramon, published by Usbourne.
For ages 12+, The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg, published by Penguin Randomhouse.
