Foreign Secretary leads video link up between young climate champions in Edinburgh and Kyoto

The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband led a live video link-up between young climate champions in Edinburgh and their counterparts in Kyoto, Edinburgh's twin city. The International Climate Champions programme is run by the British Council in sixty countries across the globe, with young people who are passionate and committed to action on climate change.

David Miliband briefly talked about the importance of young people and their need to question and pioneer action on climate change within their communities. He highlighted how young people were important in pushing through positive messages against a general apathy that can exist in society on tackling climate change issues.

The Climate Champions highlighted the significance of the next generation and how the leader's actions today will affect the youth of today. Climate Champion's were also given the chance to discuss their aspirations for the UN climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen.  Both representatives from the Climate Champions in Japan and Scotland were given a chance to discuss their projects and views on Copenhagen.

In questioning David Miliband, the Climate Champions covered topics ranging from Japan's new mitigation target to the viability of a profitable low carbon economy and the ability of the EU member states to work together on climate change. Following the event the Foreign Secretary and Consul General of Osaka Simon Fisher handed over a copy of the 4 Degree Map to the Climate Change Champions.

Related links

Miliband grilled over nuclear power, Times Online 18 November 2009

International Climate Champions, British Council