St John's Shopping Centre Placement Student Speaks at Youth Climate Summit

St John’s Shopping Centre placement student shared the stage with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last weekend after being chosen to speak at the 2018 Youth Climate Summit.

Third-year International Tourism Management and Marketing student Benjamin Lang put himself forward for the opportunity after the 2050 Climate Group reached out to see if any of its young leaders were interested in participating the event, which showcases how young people in Scotland are taking action on climate change and driving Scotland through positive change.

Benjamin Lang is currently on a 6-month placement with St John’s Shopping Centre in the capacity of Marketing and Community Engagement Assistant and is now Regional Hub Lead for the 2050 Operational Team.

He was selected to be one of the key guest speakers, joining First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to address the summit at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday (April 28).

“It was inspiring seeing so many young people come together on a Saturday to discuss the topic of climate change,” said Benjamin. “I feel humbled that I had the opportunity to speak in front of such a large audience and believe that the 2050 Climate Group has started a nationwide movement.”

Benjamin is heavily involved in promoting green initiates at St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth, where he is currently implementing educational programmes with local community groups where his knowledge on green energy can be shared.

“I am in touch with multiple organisations within Perth including St John’s Shopping Centre, Perth & Kinross Council, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Letham Climate Challenge and ADHD+. I am looking to make the topic of climate change fun with the goal of creating a more cohesive and engaging community.”