Business Comment: Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive outlines his hope for Cop26's environmental legacy and economic benefit
By Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce
None of us can fail to be aware that COP26 is now under way in Glasgow. I don’t think it is too dramatic to suggest the stakes could not be higher.
I’m delighted that, through the chamber run Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) groups, young people from across the Highlands will have the opportunity to understand the issues and the opportunities being discussed at COP26.
We’ve created our own branding and logo, KOP26, "Kids – Our Planet" and have joined forces with other chambers across the whole of the Highlands to offer a number of events and activities.
These activities are designed to raise awareness and engage young people in the issues and the opportunities this will bring through “green jobs”, innovation and technological advances.
Virtual events are being offered by our executive partners Balfour Beatty, SSE Renewables and Fred Olsen Renewables and events within schools will be supported by our DYW school co-ordinators.
Subjects covered will include "green technologies, materials and communities", "sustainability and achieving net zero" and "careers in renewables".
I hope COP26 will create an enduring impact for Scotland in terms of environmental legacy and economic benefit. It is only fitting that our region’s young people and future generations will be the primary beneficiaries.
Investment of £8.3m will help the Highlands green economy grow