LAST week, a group of young people came to the civic offices to give voice to a cause they care passionately about – namely, protecting the environment. Around two dozen young people, the majority of them sixth formers, held aloft banners and placards to raise awareness of climate change and to ask that more is done to conserve the planet. The protest was one of thousands worldwide and was part of a global movement called Schools Strike 4 Climate.

I am always happy to see young people getting involved in politics. Climate change is indeed one of the major issues of our time and it is inspiring to see it firmly on the agenda of the next generation.

In Swindon, we have a really positive story to tell about becoming more environmentally friendly, and as a Council we are doing a number of things to play our part in protecting the planet.

In January, a motion was passed at full council which recognised the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions. As a council, we called on the Government to give us more resources to help them achieve their targets and we agreed to establish a climate change working group to consider what additional measures the council can take to combat climate change. We have in recent years taken big steps in harnessing solar energy. There are a number of solar farms in Swindon and they are playing an ever bigger role in providing us with the energy we need. Last year, the BBC filmed their national Breakfast TV show from Chapel Farm Solar Farm in North Swindon as an example of what councils can do. Equivalent to 17 football pitches, Chapel Farm takes our total renewable energy capacity to 167 megawatts, which is 80 per cent towards our target of 200 megawatts by 2020.

The council is an executive and founder member of the Hydrogen Hub, which launched in Swindon and Wiltshire in January 2016, and has driven external investment in hydrogen and fuel cell projects in the region. Swindon-based car leasing firm Arval UK plans to add 10 new company cars to a cutting edge hydrogen trial with the opening of a second refuelling station near to its head office.

Upgrades have recently been made to Swindon’s much-loved cycling network and we would always encourage people to think about greener ways of getting around the town.

In an attempt to further engage young people, we are planning to hold a meeting of the climate change working group at a college to ensure we engage with those who have a vested interest in the ongoing health of the planet.

The Earth's resources are immense but limited. As a global community, we need to stop looking to the short-term for solutions and start seeing the bigger picture. It is great to see young people being passionate advocates for protecting the environment and I look forward to working with them and others as we continue to develop more sustainable ways of living.