OUTLANDER’S Sam Heughan has launched a “call to action” urging youngsters to tackle the climate emergency.
The actor has paired up with the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, where he started his career, to encourage “the young people of Scotland” to have their views heard on how to handle the climate emergency and save the planet.
Heughan has recorded a special video message to launch the Last Chance To Save The Planet project, which will see 11-18-year-olds write their own “urgent words of protest”.
In a video message posted on Twitter, Heughan said the Traverse Theatre was “very dear to my heart”.
It’s the Last Chance To Save The Planet! 🌍 We are thrilled to have @SamHeughan, of Outlander (but more importantly, Traverse) fame, with us to tell you about how you can get involved in this exciting project.https://t.co/idn9Gnyq1j 3/8 pic.twitter.com/o0ss5anvdO
— Traverse Theatre (@traversetheatre) May 30, 2023
“Now the Traverse wants to hear from you. If you’re between the ages of 11 and 18 and live in Scotland, this is your chance for your voice to be heard on climate change.
“We’re asking for your voice, new writing, whatever it is, whether it’s poetry, songs, speeches, theatre.”
He explained that these pieces would then be performed by professional actors from stage and screen in August.
He continued: “So whatever your writing is, you don’t have to be a professional writer or a climate change expert, we just want to hear your voice and make older generations take note.
“All we ask is that the starting point is the ‘Last Chance To Save The Planet’. I can’t wait to hear your voice and help save this beautiful planet.
“I thoroughly encourage young people across Scotland to occupy their rightful space in this festival with both hands, adding to the powerful and revolutionary act of storytelling, questioning and demanding change.”
An official announcement from the Traverse said: “We want to hear from those whose voices matter. Voices that are the future of our world. Voices that are so often overlooked and sidelined.
“We want to hear from the young people of Scotland to understand how they feel about the future of their planet.
“Young people will be the most adversely impacted by the climate crisis and yet are so often excluded from the discussions that will shape their future. Last Chance to Save the Planet seeks to change the format and disrupt the dialogue.
“This project will make young people programmed writers and heard activists, amidst the largest arts festival in the world.”
