A set of nine artworks depict why the people of Scotland care about the climate and nature emergency. This is part of a climate change campaign that has gathered support from people around Scotland to send a message to leaders attending COP26 in Glasgow.
Climate Scotland has collected over 7,000 voices from across the nation, to show that the people of Scotland want meaningful action to protect the things they love, and create a better future for people everywhere.
Nine new mural artworks have been created to depict the messages of the people of Scotland gathered so far, and are on display at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens during COP26.
The UN climate summit COP26 is a major opportunity to re-energise efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
Through this campaign, everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to show how much they care about the climate and nature emergencies. The messages gathered online have been shared in the COP26 Green Zone and at the Scottish Government space at The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
Individuals visiting the Climate Scotland website are able to add their voice to the campaign by selecting a theme that is most relevant to them or by writing their own reason. The themes cover a broad range of perspectives, which are depicted in the artwork:
- Flourishing communities
- Future generations
- Greener, fairer livelihoods
- Wildlife and nature
- Sustainable food systems
- Protecting the world’s resources
- Health and wellbeing
- Beautiful places
- Solidarity with global neighbours.
Ida Henrich, a freelance illustrator and mural artist based in Glasgow, said:
“Alongside Kaitlin Mechan and Indrė Šimkutė, I am thrilled to have created these artworks for Climate Scotland. I believe that murals start conversations, and chats about topics we care about, often reveal that other people also care. I’m proud of the artworks we have created and can’t wait to share them with the public.”
Over 40 non-profit organisations, including WWF Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Christian Aid Scotland and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), have come together to create the Climate Scotland campaign.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive at SCVO, said:
“Thousands of Scots have spoken out about why climate change matters to them. They recognise that strong action is essential for Scotland’s nature, our health and wellbeing, and for future generations. SCVO is proud to be part of Climate Scotland, showcasing these messages in Glasgow during COP26 and demanding climate justice now.”
Aedán Smith, Head of Policy and Advocacy RSPB Scotland, said:
“1 in 9 species in Scotland is at risk of extinction. We must address this by protecting and restoring nature, increasing access to nature for everyone and making decisions that support nature, our climate and people. The Climate Scotland campaign is a way for people in Scotland to show how much they care about these things.”
Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, said:
“The Climate Scotland campaign is a fantastic opportunity for people in Scotland to show leaders and decision-makers that they care about our global neighbours. We stand together against the climate crisis, raising our voice as one to create lasting change and to ensure that communities are equipped to adapt and respond to the impacts of climate change.”
To add your voice to the campaign, visit climatescotland.org.
Froglife’s Scottish Dragon Finder project is now one year old and we’ve had such an amazing year of highlights all over Scotland.
Our Dragons in your Garden sessions have been a great success this year, going out to allotments and community gardens in locations including Stirling, Perth, Ayrshire and Glasgow. Groups have kindly hosted us whilst we offer advice to gardeners on how to make their spaces more wildlife friendly, as well as actively helping groups to enhance their gardens. For one of our sessions, we had a fantastic day with Green Routes in Stirling building a bog garden and were fortunate to try some of their home-made frog cake!
Dragons on the Move is Froglife’s roadshow event, where the team travels to venues across Scotland to run talks, walks, crafts and wildlife activities such as pond-dipping and reptile rummages, offering free experiences to local people. We’ve had some great days out this year running group sessions at the Dundee Science Festival and engaging with families at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow. Also seeing the beautiful landscapes of Dunnet and Inverewe Estate in the Highlands and meeting so many enthusiastic locals.
The Scottish Dragon Finder project is a 4.5 year project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and working with a host of other partners / organisations. Find out more about Scottish Dragon Finder 
In a change to our normal timetable this weeks Croaking Science has been replaced by this croak about Save the Frogs Day. Croaking Science will be back on 14th May.
