AN ENVIRONMENTAL project has been launched in Forth Valley to help everyone understand how their actions can influence climate change.

The project has been launched by Forth Valley Sensory Centre to make information accessible to all areas of the Forth Valley community.

Funded by the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme, the project is led by Sara Burns who will be out and about across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling to help people understand how their actions can influence Climate Change and what the impact might be on them.

Sara studied British Sign Language (BSL) at Heriot Watt University and also has a Masters Degree in Disaster Management. She is keen to get started on making advice on Climate Change accessible to everyone and has already met with a Forth Valley MSP to discuss the topic.

She said: “Climate change is something we hear a lot about, especially during periods of extreme weather, like the current heatwave in Scotland and the tragic flooding in Europe, but what does it really mean?

“How do our actions influence Climate Change and importantly, what can we do about it?

“While the subject itself isn’t new, the rate of change within the energy industry and in society has grown rapidly.

“Smart meters, electric vehicles and the commitment to Net Zero in Scotland by 2045 will mean big changes in the way we generate and use energy.

“Sadly, many people with sensory conditions have not engaged in conversations around climate change as for many years, the information simply was not accessible to them.

“This means we have a large portion of the population simply removed from one of the most important debates of our time. Our project aims to change that.”

The new Energy Redress initiative builds on the successful Making Sense of Energy Saving project previously run by the Centre.

Finishing earlier this year, that project, backed by the Climate Challenge Fund, focused exclusively on helping people save energy. The result at the end of the two years was an amazing saving equivalent to over 300 tonnes of CO2 (a key greenhouse gas contributing to Climate Change).

Sara is available to provide advice to individuals looking to save energy in their homes as well as attend group talks and events to show how climate change and changes in society will impact all of us.

Sessions are relaxed, informative and interactive and, most importantly, accessible to everyone.

Contact saraburns@forthvalleysensorycentre.org or call 01324 590 888 to speak to Sara about a talk to your group or organisation,

Visit forthvalleysensorycentre.org/energy-saving/ for more information.