Tag: Glasgow Science Centre

Scottish Charities share in almost £1.2 million funding boost from ScottishPower Foundation

TWELVE Scottish charities have been awarded a funding boost from the ScottishPower Foundation.

THE charities from across the country will share in funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects tackling a range of issues, from cost-of-living support, to promoting diversity and inclusion, raising awareness of the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises and addressing skills and attainment gaps in society.

The Earth Allies programme – an exciting project from the Glasgow Science Centre – is helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds learn about climate change and become climate advocates. Supported by funding from the ScottishPower Foundation, young people aged 16-24 will build their knowledge of climate change issues by taking part in activities that help them learn new skills like public speaking, online campaigning, and filmmaking.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The young people on the Earth Allies programme are the climate ambassadors of the future, so it’s amazing to see them gain the skills they’ll need to influence decision-makers and put protecting the planet in the spotlight.

“Projects like this are prime examples of how the ScottishPower Foundation’s support is helping to create a better future for the next generation, and why it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities across the UK.”

Sally White, Senior Community Learning Coordinator from Glasgow Science Centre, said: “At Glasgow Science Centre, we’re determined to reduce the barriers young people face in accessing climate education – particularly if they’re from a disadvantaged background, who may be most at risk as the world around them continues to change.

“A huge thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation for supporting the life-changing work that we do. Through our Earth Allies programme, we will ensure that those we support are given the opportunities to succeed.”

Among the other 2023 projects funded by the ScottishPower Foundation is Smart Works Scotland, which, in an expansion to its services, is continuing to support Black Minority Ethnic women across Scotland to develop the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to secure sustainable employment and gain financial independence.

The grant from the ScottishPower Foundation will help with the recruitment of a full-time outreach worker for the charity’s new Glasgow hub as it provides career advice, interview coaching and mentoring support to empower under-represented women in the workforce.

The Volunteer Tutor Organisation’s Learning Hub network – a key service supporting children living in poverty and affected by the attainment gap – is also supported by the Foundation’s funding in 2023. Following Covid, the highly impactful Hubs had to be suspended. Now, with the ScottishPower Foundation’s funding, the charity is set to reinstate 9 hubs, continue to run 14 hubs and launch five more to help vulnerable children to improve their academic attainment, confidence and self-esteem.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the ScottishPower Foundation has awarded over £12 million to charitable initiatives across the UK.

Melanie Hill added: “This is an incredibly exciting year for us, with so many amazing projects benefitting from our support and making a difference within their local communities.

“The real impact these initiatives will have for so many people can’t be understated, and I can’t wait to see what amazing work these charities will continue to do throughout the year.”

The full list of Scottish 2023 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are:

·       Dance Base – Forres, Livingston, Edinburgh

·       Edinburgh Science Foundation – Edinburgh (above)

·       Givin’ It Laldie – Glasgow

·       Glasgow Science Centre – Glasgow

·       Home-Start Falkirk – Falkirk

·       Magic Breakfast – Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Edinburgh

·       Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – Glasgow and Edinburgh

·       Scottish Wildlife Trust – Ayrshire

·       Smart Works Scotland – Glasgow

·       Stable Life – Glasgow

·       Trees for Life – Inverness

·       Volunteer Tutors Organisation – Scottish Borders

Award-winning nature film completes line up of upcoming Wildscreen Film Festival showcase

  • Wildscreen has announced the full programme for their upcoming two-day natural world storytelling film screening showcase, with tickets available for as little as £12.
  • Four-time Panda Award winning film, ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, and an impressive list of Scottish artists and filmmakers complete the line up.
  • Additional networking opportunities will give delegates, both professionals and enthusiasts, a chance to connect with key players in the Scottish natural history TV and film industry.

Wildscreen, the leading conservation charity, has revealed the full line up for their two-day natural world storytelling film showcase, taking place at the Glasgow Science Centre on 18th-19th March, 2023, with tickets available for as little as £12.

‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of the coveted Golden Panda Award at the 2022 Festival and Royal Television Society Programme Award 2023 nominee, joins the jam-packed agenda alongside other film screenings exploring the lives of some of nature’s most underrepresented and enduring stories.

The showcase will also feature talks and Q&A sessions from global filmmakers and conservationists, with a celebration of renowned and emerging Scottish talent speaking at the event.

New to the Glasgow Roadshow is ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of four Panda Awards AKA the Green Oscars and it has been recently nominated in the Science & The Natural World category at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2023.

Directed by acclaimed Bristol-based wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, it explores the fascinating lives of bees living in his urban garden during lockdown. Following the screening, a Q&A, featuring two of the team who worked on the film – Glasgow-based music composer Fraser Purdie and Olivia Massey, will take place providing a chance to uncover the secrets behind this inspiring nature documentary.

The panel will also feature Jasmine Isa Qureshi, ambassador for the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust and will be chaired by Jackie Savery, Director and Founder of Glasgow production company Maramedia.

Other screening highlights, including ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’ and ‘Wild Romania’, allow attendees to experience the lives of the last wild cats on earth and the best-kept secrets in Europe’s wilderness. The Young Programmers Selection sees a carefully selected series of short films curated by local creative talent.

There will also be a collection of films exploring the latest efforts in ocean conservation featuring an expert panel, including Save our Seas’ Science Communicator, Dr. Isla Hodgson and Scottish Artivist, Rachel Brooks.

Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “Glasgow has a long history as a hub for natural world storytelling and environmental action, as a previous European City of Culture and home to the recent COP26 conference.

“This Roadshow allows us to bring our selection of acclaimed films to Scotland, whilst giving a platform to local filmmaking talent. Delegates will get a chance to understand some of nature’s most fascinating stories at a time when climate action and conservation are most needed. If you have an interest in natural history, this is not one to miss.”

A separate networking drinks reception, at the Saramago Terrace Bar, CCA on Friday 17th March, will take place before the showcase, with opportunities to catch up with existing colleagues and make new connections in the natural world filmmaking industry. The Glasgow Roadshow is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland, and it is sponsored by the Save our Seas Foundation.

Tickets are still available from as little as £12 with a variety of passes and concessions available to those seeking employment, in full-time education, registered disabled or over the age of 65. Free tickets and attendance support are available to local community groups working with underrepresented young people. Please do reach out to find out more.

See the full programme here.

Bringing nature films into the city! Glasgow hosts Wildscreen screenings

  • Glasgow has been selected to host Wildscreen’s two day film screening and networking event.
  • A brand new gathering for the city sees a clutch of screenings from Wildscreen Festival’s Official Selection 2022, including ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’ and ‘Wild Romania’.
  • The event is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland and sponsored by Save our Seas Foundation.
  • Tickets are now on sale with both day and weekend passes available.

Returning to the city for the first time since 2016, Glasgow will host the first ever Wildscreen Roadshow event, a two day natural world storytelling film celebration. Taking place on 18th – 19th March at Tower North in the Glasgow Science Centre, the event has several film screenings, talks and Q&A sessions.

The films, from Wildscreen Festival’s Official Selection 2022, include ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’ and ‘Wild Romania’, as well as a series of three ocean films and the Young Programmers Selection. In addition, leading industry filmmakers and conservationists will be taking part in discussions and presentations, bringing global storytellers to Scotland.

Opening the event, which is supported by Screen Scotland, is the Wildscreen Festival Official Selection Programmer Prize Winner 2022 ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’, directed by Andoni Canela (Spain). It follows the renowned nature photographer and his son as they travel in search of the last wild cats on the planet. The full Saturday programme is set to be published in the coming weeks.

Sunday will begin with a series of ocean conservation films, including ‘CAUGHT’, directed by Emma Silverstone Segal (Canada) and ‘Whales in a Changing Ocean’, directed by Richard Sidey (New Zealand), followed by a Q&A with underwater filmmakers and marine conservationists.

The Young Programmers Selection will feature a carefully selected collection of short films curated by young programmers. Closing the two-day event, ‘Wild Romania’, directed by Dan Dinu and Cosmin Dumitrache and Wildscreen Festival Official Selection Audience Award Winner 2022, will follow the four seasons of the year to unveil the best kept secrets of Europe’s wilderness.​​​​​​

Gail Robertson, Screen Education Officer at Creative Scotland: “This event addresses a continued and vital need to provide young people with an opportunity to engage with climate change issues, natural filmmaking, and the screen industry.

“We hope it encourages their future involvement in all these arenas and tells them that their presence and voices in this area are not just welcome, but a necessity.”

Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “Following our most successful festival to date alongside the launch of our Global Hubs in 2022, our Glasgow Roadshow will help us to further the crucial discussions around natural world storytelling. We must bring filmmaking into cities where people perhaps feel more of a disconnection from wildlife but still have a curiosity about nature.

“As the planet and biodiversity face increasing threats from climate change, our showcase will help to highlight some of the most underrepresented stories and voices from across the world whilst inspiring those in Glasgow and across Scotland to find their own stories closer to home. The time for action is now and we invite you to join us next month in what is our first of many Roadshows.”

Glasgow was chosen to host the showcase as it is considered the home of natural history in Scotland, with leading television and film production companies, including Maramedia and Hello Halo, also based in the city. As a previous European City of Culture, it has a long heritage and history with arts, creativity and storytelling.

Tickets are now on sale from as little as £12 with a variety of passes and concessions available to those seeking employment, in full-time education, registered disabled or over the age of 65.

The event is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland, who is providing funding specifically to help underrepresented young people in the area, and it is sponsored by Save our Seas Foundation.

Find out more here.

Mobile air pollution exhibit goes on display at Leith Library

A mobile exhibit, highlighting the science and issues around air pollution and air quality, is on display in Edinburgh this summer.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Glasgow Science Centre launched the touring exhibition in 2020, aiming to highlight the importance of air quality. It will be on display until the end of August at Leith Library.

The interactive exhibit encourages visitors of all ages to think about their local environment and the quality of the air, how poor air quality can affect them and their family and how we can all help to improve air quality through our daily choices. The interactive exhibit also uses a bespoke tool which allows visitors to share their thoughts on the environments they live and work in, and what can be done to improve air quality.

The exhibit uses a simulation model to control traffic and allow users to experience how different types of transport contribute to air pollution. At the same time, the interactive display provides information on the various sources of air pollution and how it can affect our health and wellbeing.

Dr Colin Gillespie, SEPA’s Air Modelling Unit Manager, said: “Reducing air pollution and its associated health impacts is a challenge we should all be mindful of. We all contribute to sources of air pollution through our day-to-day activities and all breathe the same air, so we all have a part to play in improving air quality, no matter how small our actions may seem.

“This mobile exhibition highlights how individuals can take steps to help improve the quality of life both for ourselves and our wider communities and the simulation demonstrates the different ways the quality of the air we breathe can be impacted.”

Transport and Environment Convener at The City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “This fascinating and engaging exhibition will really get people thinking about the impacts of poor air quality on our lives, and the choices we can make to limit this. 

“Earlier this year I was proud to launch the Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh as this will reduce air pollution across the city. This is just one of a number of tools the Council is using to tackle poor air quality, from improvements to its vehicles to better infrastructure supporting cleaner modes of transport like walking and cycling, and for Leithers the Tram to Newhaven. What’s more, people using Lothian Buses can be reassured it has one of the cleanest fleets in the UK. 

“Visiting this interactive exhibition at Leith Library will provide an insight into the need to make these kinds of changes for the good of all in our city.”

Dr Gillian Lang, Director of Experience Development at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “We are delighted to have been able to partner with SEPA on developing this touring exhibition to raise awareness of the science and issues around air quality.

“The exhibition was at Glasgow Science Centre during COP26 and has toured to Aberdeen Science Centre where it has been seen by over 16,000 people.”

The mobile exhibition is part of a larger educational package which SEPA has developed with Glasgow Science Centre, aiming to highlight the importance of air pollution and the impacts it can have on our health and the environment.

In 2017, SEPA and the Glasgow Science Centre developed a larger, permanent installation which was originally commissioned by the Scottish Government as part of the Cleaner Air for Scotland (CAFS) strategy, encouraging an interactive way to explore the science behind air pollution.

The mobile exhibit is a development of this work and is now available to tour individual local authority areas.

Anyone interested in finding out more information on how to bring the exhibit to their area can contact SEPA via AirQuality@sepa.org.uk.

Scottish School Pupils’ COP26 call for more green jobs & investment in renewable energy

Green jobs and more investment to create clean energy are what’s needed to deliver Net Zero for Scotland by 2045. That’s the message Scottish secondary school pupils have given to energy industry leaders at an official COP26 event – hosted by ScottishPower Renewables – in the climate conference’s Green Zone at Glasgow Science Centre.

‘Let’s Talk Energy’ saw 80 young people from 10 secondary schools, including Edinburgh Academy, come together to create their own Net Zero Energy Policy for Scotland – setting out the changes the country needs to make to achieve the Scottish Government’s target of Net Zero by 2045.

Their top three priorities were:

·        Supporting skills development, including training options for young people in the renewables industry, to deliver green jobs and a positive long-term future

·        Investment to increase the amount of clean, green energy available from the likes of wind and solar power and battery storage

·        Improving processes to make renewable energy available faster than ever before and making it easier to switch to a low-carbon lifestyle.

Making it simpler to switch to greener forms of transport – whether electric vehicles you can charge at home or electrifying trains and buses – and providing funding to help communities make the transition to Net Zero also scored highly.

Lindsay McQuade, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Young people’s voices are being heard loud and clear at COP26 and it was inspiring and encouraging to hear their views on what we have to do now if we’re going to achieve Net Zero by 2045.

“They recognise fully that we need do more, and do it faster, if we’re going to address the climate emergency and they got straight to the point.

“As they set out, Scotland has enormous potential, but we will only achieve Net Zero with the right investment, skills development and processes in place. They have a bold vision for a cleaner and greener country, and it’s a vision that can become a reality if we all take climate action now.”

ScottishPower is the UK’s only integrated energy company and generates 100% green electricity from offshore and onshore wind.

It is developing an energy model that will help the UK reach world-leading climate change targets and is investing £10billion in the UK over five years – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation to support net zero emissions.

It is also a Principal Partner for COP26 and leads on the youth theme for the climate change conference.

Kate Turner, ScottishPower Renewables’ Director of Policy & Regulation, added: “We’re very proud to support young people from across the country in making their voices heard at this crucial climate change conference, and see such considered and thoughtful feedback.

“This is a great opportunity for the youth of today to influence the policies of tomorrow and play a vital role in shaping the legacy of COP26. I have no doubt their efforts can help ensure we all enjoy a cleaner, greener and better future, quicker – and we will do all we can to make that happen.”

‘Let’s Talk Energy’ is part of a long-term educational partnership between ScottishPower Renewables and Glasgow Science Centre.

The two organisations developed the joint COP26 programme to help children and young people engage with the United Nations Climate Change Conference. It was specially selected by the UK Cabinet Office to take place in the Green Zone.

Glasgow Science Centre helped the young people aged 11-14 research renewable energy policy ahead of the event through home and classroom learning. The pupils explored how renewable technologies such as onshore wind, offshore wind, solar power and green hydrogen could be used to achieve Net Zero.

Schools taking part in the event were: Earlston High School, Edinburgh Academy, Govan High, Hutchesons’ Grammar, Mearns Castle, Renfrew High, Strathaven Academy, St Aloysius, Turnbull High School and Woodfarm.

As part of its COP26 education programme, ScottishPower Renewables is also working with Glasgow Science Centre on a Renewables Challenge for 124 primary schools across Scotland. The four-week education programme will help P5-P7 pupils from learn about COP26, renewable energy, green jobs and going carbon neutral.

COP26 Green Zone: free tickets

In just two weeks leaders from almost every country on earth will gather in Glasgow for COP26 to negotiate how the world can come together to tackle the threat of climate change.

Alongside, the COP26 Green Zone will shine a light on the amazing and diverse world of climate action from 1st November.

From all over the globe, youth activists, Indigenous Peoples, small and large businesses and grass roots communities will be bringing COP26 to life with cultural performances, exhibitions, talks, film screenings and technical demonstrations.

Over 200 events will take place in the Green Zone over the 12 days of the summit. Hosted in the iconic Glasgow Science Centre, it will welcome visitors from 9am – 6pm each day.

Tickets are available free of charge, and most of the events will also be streamed live on the COP26 YouTube channel where people can access content for free and from anywhere in the UK or around the world.

https://greenzonetickets.ukcop26.org/home

Communities across Scotland to take part in COP26 climate action

With just over 50 days to go until COP26 comes to Glasgow, details of Scotland’s COP26 community engagement programme have been announced.

The programme of climate change activity will engage communities in the journey to net zero and empower them to take action.

It will include activity targeted at communities that have not previously engaged in climate action, helping to make Scotland’s COP26 engagement inclusive.

The programme also includes activity for young people, including schools and youth groups such as the guiding and scouting movements, to help ensure children and young people from all backgrounds can participate.

Scotland’s climate festivals will support local communities to plan and deliver their own festivals and events across the country.

Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Glasgow Science Centre will lead on delivery, backed with almost £500,000 of Scottish Government funding.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “COP26 coming to Scotland is a unique opportunity to advance the society-wide transformation demanded by the climate crisis.

“That’s why we are determined to make sure the event reaches out far beyond the negotiations in Glasgow, into every community in the country.

“Scotland has made great progress in delivering its world-leading climate targets and is already over half way to net zero. To end our contribution to climate change within a generation, we will all need to play role. Our communities and young people will be at the heart of that action. This programme will help empower everyone to take action to tackle climate change – especially those that might have not previously engaged.”

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish Government and partners to ensure everyone is empowered to navigate the climate emergency challenges ahead. 

“COP26 happening in Scotland must be a catalyst to broaden and intensify climate conversations nationally and locally.  We want to bring the issues discussed at the summit to the heart of communities by unlocking opportunities for those currently not engaged in climate change action to make their voices heard, and to provide much needed energy and support.”

Dr Stephen Breslin, CEO Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Our World, Our Impact aims to make climate science relevant to day-to-day life, inviting everyone to explore how we can all play a part in the discussion as Glasgow prepares to host COP26.

“We are also delighted to be working together with our colleagues from Scotland’s other science centres to look at how we can engage underserved audiences in the climate conversation across Scotland.”

First ever Round Britain Climate Challenge by electric paramotor

The Round Britain Climate Challenge is the first ever circumnavigation attempt of mainland Britain with an electric paramotor – an adventurous expedition created by Sacha Dench (UN Ambassador for Convention on Migratory Species,CMS and Founder of Conservation Without Borders ) to draw attention to climate issues at home.

The official launch is at the Glasgow Science Centre this morning.

This groundbreaking 3000 mile plus expedition will travel anti-clockwise around Britain, ending back in Glasgow around 6 weeks later. This daring expedition is designed to inspire and excite the nation to get involved in tackling the climate crisis in the run up to COP26.

Sacha will take off ( weather permitting)  on the expedition from Loch Lomond on Monday (21 June) following some practice flying and team training.

Sacha with her electric paramotor by one of the Team EVs and about to take off with the new wing

 ‘Human Swan’ Sacha Dench, known for global expeditions with migratory species, turned her focus to climate change for this expedition after losing her family home in the Australian bushfires.

She will be landing frequently, talking with, filming, and gathering information from industry, innovators and entrepreneurs, local heroes, communities, schools, farmers and individuals – anybody involved in addressing the effects of climate change in their areas.

A compilation of these stories will be presented at COP26 in Glasgow in November.

  • Sacha will set a new Guinness World Records Title for the fastest (and first) flight around Britain in a paramotor. It will also be a first for an electric paramotor. 
  • A second Guinnes World Records Title attempt will aim to inspire at least 140,001 people to take personal climate action between 18 June and 17 July as part of the global campaign Count Us In (https://www.count-us-in.org/).  On achieving this, every participant will get a badge recognising their contribution to setting a world record. 

Sacha says: “This is the first time an electric paramotor will ever have been used in a long journey – and it’s going to be an exciting challenge.

“I want to capture the imaginations of the young and old, rural and urban, and focus on answers to the climate crisis – not problems – and encourage everyone, to get involved. Just one person pledging to take an action through Count Us In will help us get that second Guineess World Record too!

“As well as investigating how climate change is affecting different regions of the country, we will be showing – in a visually stunning and exciting way – what is happing to help cut carbon and preserve and restore our environment. We’ll be finding the likely and unlikely heroes and discovering where and what works.”