The Youth Panel was established in February 2010 to provide a direct route of communication between youth organisations in the UK, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
500+ young peope took part in an online survey to design the panel format, which indicated a preference for the following:
- One small group of young people representing different youth organisations, meeting regularly to discuss ideas with DECC
- A mix of ages
- A mixture of online and offline communication
- A focus on helping DECC to think about what a low carbon world in 2050 should look like
- Meeting on a regular basis
The panel meet with Ministers, the Chief Scientist and Policy officials as they go about their work. So far their sessions have concentrated on the Low Carbon Skills consultation and the 2050 energy pathways work of the Department.
The Report
In December 2010, the Panel published their first report, "Energy: How fair is it anyway?" focussing on their work on their work and exploration of the possible energy pathways to 2050.
Based on DECC’s 2050 Pathways project, the report looks at the UK’s energy policies from the perspective of those people who will have to live with those decisions for their entire adult lives. The report was drafted by young people aged between 16 and 25 who visited power stations, nuclear plants and projects promoting renewable energy sources to investigate the issues at first hand and met with experts, industry, pressure groups and innovators, to look at how we keep the lights on in 2050 while reducing carbon emissions.
The report says while it is important that there is enough energy to go around, it would be irresponsible for us to only focus on providing energy to keep living the same way as we are today. Above all the report calls for:
- a fair deal for young people in the decision-making process;
- work to ensure that Government does not lock young and future generations into ecological debt; and
- continued engagement in dialogue with the youth constituency and stakeholdership to ensure that the youth perspective is heard, and responded to, by Government.
Energy and climate change minister Charles Hendry said:
“While work continues on a global deal in Cancun young people are not waiting for the politicians to start planning and building the low carbon economy for themselves. This report by DECC’s Youth Panel is a remarkable piece of work which gives a fresh perspective on our energy policies and I would like to thank the Panel for the energy, enthusiasm and rigour with which they have approached this work. I now invite other young people to get involved and continue the strong partnership between DECC and the next generation.”
Who makes up the Youth Panel?
The panel comprises 15 young people representing 15 organisations, which have been invited to sit in this panel based on their engagement on climate change and energy issues.
They include volunteers from the following organisations:
- UK Youth Parliament
- UNICEF
- UK Youth Climate Coalition
- British Youth Council
- Plan UK
- Global Action Plan
- WWF - UK
- Oxfam Youth Board
- CPRE
- NUS
- BTCV
- Young Friends of the Earth
- People & Planet
- The Scouts
Purpose
The mission of each member of the panel is to engage with members of the organisation they represent, but also with other youth groups within their region through schools, sports clubs and faith organisations.
Their remit so far has been to look at the challenges the country is facing to meet the 80% reduction target for 2050, encourage engagement in the 2050 Pathways project within their respective organisations, review the various possible pathways, and make collegial recommendations.
DECC will assist the panel in their understanding of the issues at stake, and ensure that they have access to the broadest possible views.
Contact
Please visit the DECC Youth Panel blog.
If you would like to host a visit of the Youth Panel or have any questions or comments on the work of the Youth Panel, please email youthpanel@think2050.org