On the 4th of July 2025, I had the privilege of representing Young European Movement Scotland at the Connects-UK 5th Open Forum in York, themed “From Climate Crisis to Action: Adapting to a Changing World.” The event brought together researchers, policymakers, students, and civil society from across the UK and Europe to explore the urgent climate challenges facing our world and the innovative actions we must take to meet them.

It was inspiring to be in the historic city of York alongside scientists, engineers, designers, and activists who are pioneering real solutions: from sustainable farming and biorenewable technologies to hydrogen-powered aviation and passive energy-efficient building design.

But what stood out most for me was the voice of young Europeans.

One of our YEM members from England, Haydn Osborne-Brookes, just 16 years old and already a member of the YEM UK National Executive Committee and the Green Party, took to the stage as part of the afternoon roundtable. Haydn spoke powerfully about the role of youth in climate action, highlighting how our generation is not only affected by the climate crisis but is also actively shaping the solutions. His insight, confidence, and clarity were widely praised. This serves as a reminder that young people must have a seat at every table where decisions about our future are being made.

During discussions, I raised the importance of Scottish energy reform, and how independence could empower Scotland to play a stronger role in the European and global green transition. With control over our energy policy, the Scottish Government could reduce household bills, invest more in homegrown renewable technologies, and cut carbon emissions by lessening our reliance on energy-guzzling data centres in fossil fuel-dependent countries. Crucially, an independent Scotland could export clean energy to the European Union, strengthening climate cooperation while boosting our economy, if we had the powers to do so. This has been stated on numerous occasions by the CEO of Octopus Energy, see: New research shows Scottish businesses crippled by soaring energy costs – and back zonal pricing to fix it | Octopus Energy.

Throughout the day, critical questions were raised:

• How can we ensure climate solutions reach communities equitably?

• How can we build public trust in climate science?

• And how can individual and collective actions complement systemic change?

As Chairwoman of YEM Scotland, we must make it clear that Scotland’s youth are ready to rise to these challenges, and that we must be supported with platforms, resources, and opportunities to do so. Climate action doesn’t begin in parliaments or conferences. It begins in classrooms, youth groups, and community organising.

🌱 We need more spaces like this forum — where science meets activism, and where experience meets youthful determination.

Many thanks to Connects-UK, the European Union, and partners including SRUK/CERU, FECYT, and the Xunta de Galicia for making this event possible. Travel bursaries made it accessible for young people like myself, and the hybrid format ensured global participation.

I left York with my brain full of new information, new ideas, new contacts, and most importantly, hope. Together as Scots, as Europeans, and as citizens of this planet, we can move from climate crisis to climate action.

For a European future United In Diversity,
Amelia Connolly
Chairwoman
Young European Movement in Scotland