Through a youth-led campaign ICN’s Climate Action Survey brought together nearly 3,000 voices from across Gloucestershire (2022).

11- to 25-year-olds sent a clear message to the council that they want more coordinated action on climate change. Key findings included:

• 3 in 4 young people are already taking steps to act on climate change.
• They believe climate responsibility should be shared fairly across society and want their views on climate change to be better represented at all levels.  
• Almost 9 in 10 support council climate action, calling for changes in policies, infrastructure, and decision-making.

The project was supported by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered via a partnership between ICN and Creative Sustainability, Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group (GYCG), Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Planet Cheltenham with their Youth Climate Group.

Bringing it to life

To get the word out about the survey, a lead group of young people from GYCG and Planet Cheltenham co-produced a video with ICN, and shared it through social media, schools, and press releases.

Sharing insights

We worked in the partnership to pull out key findings and partners presented these insights to:

• Gloucestershire County Council Environment Scrutiny Committee Meeting, presented by Gloucestershire’s Youth Climate Group.
• Cheltenham Borough Council, shared by ICN, GYCG, Planet Cheltenham Youth Climate Group and Balcarres School students.
• Data was also included in ICN’s national report, with national reach and impact.

Impact on strategy

This research has become a substantial resource for shaping Gloucestershire’s climate engagement with young people, helping ensure their concerns and priorities inform the County Council’s strategic response to the climate emergency.

• Survey insights included in Gloucestershire Climate Change Strategy – making youth voices a part of the county’s climate plans.
• Starting point for discussions that led to an open letter to all prospective councillors: sent by Planet Cheltenham Youth Climate Group in the local elections 2024.
• Continuing collaborations on climate action ICN, Planet Cheltenham and GYCG are working closely including GYCG sharing their skills and experience with Gloucestershire secondary schools.
• This project’s success has inspired other areas: a similar approach is now being rolled out in Bristol, expanding its reach and impact.

“It was really informative to have the survey results from 3,000 young people in the county and to learn more about what young people think and how they are feeling. We’ve taken that information into our work at Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group.” 

“It’s been brilliant to have the report and stats when lobbying the council – it’s been an invaluable resource that’s really gotten the message across to them.”

Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group.

“The survey clearly demonstrates that Gloucestershire’s young people care deeply about both people and planet, wanting action that addresses the emergency but in a way that is fair, which is the very definition of climate justice. It also shows that representation is key, young people need to be included in decision making at all levels.”

Raechel Kelly, Planet Cheltenham

“There are more than 100,000 young people of school age in Gloucestershire and almost 150,000 aged 16 to 25. If we can help young people to mobilise and influence what the county council and individuals can do, together we can achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning

Supporting organisations

Gloucestershire Youth Climate Group (GYCG) are 15- to 25-year-olds who come together to take action on climate change issues. They undertake projects to make a positive impact for a low carbon and resilient Gloucestershire that reduces inequities and centres the needs of people and the environment. 

Creative Sustainability is based on the values of inclusion, empowerment and sustainability. Our focus is on ensuring the youth voice is at the heart of conversation around climate change in Gloucestershire.  

Planet Cheltenham is a community climate solutions hub. Our aim is to connect residents to community initiatives that help tackle climate change, fight social inequality and build a sustainable, resilient future for our town. We run several projects that connect citizens on climate, including the Youth Climate Group, Little Planet Cheltenham baby and toddler group, sustainability professional meet ups and energy workshops. 

Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust was set up in recognition that the future of nature and our connection with it will in part be decided on by young people, and GWT wants to be pivotal in making this happen by giving young people a voice. They will work closely and be supported by the Board of Trustees and key GWT staff. 

Gloucestershire County Council is working with residents across the county to reduce carbon emissions. The council funds the Gloucestershire Climate Youth Group to ensure that young people in the county have a chance to be involved with the work of the local authority in reaching net zero.