Surrey Nature Partnership is proud to endorse the Surrey Youth Climate Change Strategy, a powerful and ambitious plan developed by young people to tackle the climate and nature crisis.
Created by the Surrey Youth Council, the strategy reflects the voices and priorities of young people aged 11–25 across the county. It demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a greener, healthier, and fairer future for Surrey, driven by the generation who will be most impacted by climate change.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The strategy sets out a clear vision to empower young people to take both individual and collective action to:
- Protect the planet
- Reduce living costs
- Improve housing and quality of life
- Create healthier communities
It highlights that climate action is not only essential for the environment, but also brings wider benefits – improving wellbeing, saving money, and creating a more equitable society.
Youth-Led Action Across Key Areas
The strategy identifies practical actions and ambitious targets across a range of areas, including:
- Transport: Increasing sustainable travel, with a goal to replace one in four car journeys with walking, cycling or public transport by 2030.
- Energy: Encouraging reduced energy use, improved efficiency, and a shift to renewable energy in homes and schools.
- Waste: Cutting food waste by at least 50% and significantly increasing reuse and recycling by 2030.
- Nature and Food: Supporting tree planting, protecting green spaces, and promoting sustainable, locally sourced food.
- Green Skills: Developing the skills needed for future green careers and a sustainable economy.
These actions demonstrate how meaningful change can be achieved through collaboration between young people, schools, communities, and local authorities.
A Call to Action
With nearly 70% of Surrey residents recognising the importance of climate action, the strategy calls on everyone to play their part in achieving a net-zero county by 2050.
It is a powerful reminder that time is limited, but change is possible—and that young people are ready to lead the way.
Read the Strategy
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/community/climate-change/youth-climate-change-strategy
Key Projects that Surrey Youth Voice have Suppported
- Eco challenges showing different ways to use public transport
- Book drive to collect and redistribute children’s books
- Promoting the Big Butterfly Count
- A Young Mayor visit to Holme Farm with the Mayor of Runnymede.
- A Walk and Talk event to promote wellness in nature
- A series on Elmbridge Car Free Week
- Joe’s Eco Garden at Therfield School:
They also filmed a video with Great Western Railway and the Countryside Team about accessing the countryside by train. Behind the scenes pics!
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