We are in a climate crisis and we are the ones who have to make the decisions, but we will not be the ones who have to live with the consequences.

  • Our children and grandchildren will -

Children grow up in a society where they are not heard in the climate debate - why not? Herning Municipality makes decisions without the involvement of young people. Therefore, the Social Democrats want to establish a “Youth Climate Council” that can represent the youth and give them a voice in the city council before proposals are finalized. A “Youth Climate Council” composed of young people from all over the municipality - perhaps even elected in conjunction with elections for student councils - from upper secondary schools, youth and vocational educations, and higher education institutions in the municipality. In this way, broad representation among young people is achieved, so everyone has a voice in the climate debate.

Everyday moral dilemmas: red meat, smartphones and tablets, air travel, for example, we all struggle with. We know the answer and some of the solutions, but we are stuck in our lifestyle. Therefore, our actions are in accordance with this. There is a need for new young ideas on how to make Herning Municipality greener, not just in color, but also in action.

“Dad, how can we take a plane when the whole world is burning?”

  • A quote from everyday life that very well shows what thoughts, about both the present and the future, our next generation has. At the same time, a large consumption pattern is seen among some of the young people. A “Youth Climate Council” should also be a space for debate among young people, where their attitudes and views can be shared internally.

Here is our suggestion for how to listen to the youth, but what do you actually say yourself? Are - you - ready to take responsibility?

This reader’s letter has been translated from Danish.