A Perth and Kinross councillor has had a dig at environmental activist Greta Thunberg during a recent meeting over the council's climate change strategy.
The councillor was reacting to news a Perth and Kinross Council climate change survey failed to attract the desired response from under 25s.
Councillors met virtually on December 15 to approve the strategy for the region to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2045.
A PKC report on the strategy said public engagement to the strategy attracted a “wider age range than often responds to many council consultations” but there was still “far from statistical representation from the under 25 age group”.
The views of 56-65s were most represented providing 26 per cent of the responses. This was closely followed by those in the 46-55 age bracket.
Conservative councillor Bob Brawn lamented the lack of engagement from local young people.
The Blairgowrie and Glens councillor said: “Young people in our communities have lost faith in our ability as a society to tackle this monumental problem preferring to listen to the depressing rant of a certain Swedish teenager who offers only criticism to those trying to help and no solution and blames every generation but - of course - her own.”
Following the meeting SNP councillor Fiona Sarwar called Cllr Brawn’s comments “appalling and out of touch”.
The Strathmore councillor said: “When young people stand up and use their voices, especially disabled young people we should all listen, take note and follow their lead. It’s their future.”
PKC’s climate action plan was unanimously agreed by PKC at last Wednesday’s meeting.
The plan identified eight key themes: transport, buildings and energy, business and industry, waste, land use, climate resilience, education and engagement, and governance.
The six high-level principles guiding the strategy are: achieving net zero by 2045; building a more resilient Perth and Kinross; ensuring climate change action is fair and benefits all; enhancing biodiversity; engaging and empowering young people to take climate action, and empowering businesses and communities to take climate action.
The climate change strategy and action plan is due to be published by PKC on a new dedicated website in early 2022.
Perth and Kinross Council leader councillor Murray Lyle outlined funding as one of the main obstacles to PKC meeting its climate ambitions.
The Conservative leader told councillors: “Naturally, there are many challenges in our route map to net zero, and one of the most significant will be funding.
“This will be discussed as part of the budget process for next year and as well as - I suspect - for successive budget discussions for many years to come.
“We need to ensure we maximise the availability of finance from both the UK and Scottish Governments. We also need to look for joint working opportunities with other councils and partner agencies.”
