YOUNG people from across the county assembled for Dorset’s first Youth Climate Conference.

The conference, hosted by Dorset Climate Action Network, saw participants aged between 10 and 25 engaging with the virtual event. Also in attendance was Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, as well as councillors from both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

Maya Turner, Youth Dorset Climate Action Network co-ordinator, said: “I believe it’s important for the young people of Dorset to really get involved in this issue, they are, after all, the future of our county.

“From a slightly more scientific reasoning, a lot of what the older generations were taught at school is now outdated in terms of climate change and the environment. I am a biology student at university and even finding that things I was taught at lower levels are now outdated.

“I also feel that if young people do speak up about their concerns and issues it is more likely to be heard and accepted, especially at these local levels.”

Among the topics being discussed at the conference were what the action network described as “passive action” from local authorities as well as discussing progress made under Dorset Council’s climate and ecological emergency strategy.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said he was “incredibly proud” of the strategy.

He said: “We had to get our own house in order first – lead the way, learn from our experiences and then we can start trying to set up facilities advising the public how they can make small changes as part of the bigger picture.

“The public know we need to get on with decarbonisation, people are generally onboard with that, and climate change is at the front of the queue for Dorset Council and it will stay that way for as long as I’m the portfolio holder.”

For more information about Dorset Climate Action Network visit www.dorsetcan.org