STEM charity aims to accelerate the climate conversation

STEM education is to take to the road at Aberdeen Science Centre, which has recently taken delivery of an electric vehicle thanks to £39,500 funding from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund. 

The vehicle, which will house an interactive climate change exhibit, will help the STEM charity to expand its reach across the country.

The branded van will be used to take the climate conversation on the road. It will provide the perfect vehicle to explain climate change and will also include graphics to explain the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle and the resulting reduction in the STEM charity’s carbon footprint. 

Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre said: 
“It is incredibly important that we continue the conversation around climate change. It is something that we are already seeing the impact of and that will affect every one of us.

“The funding we received from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund has allowed us to buy an electric van. This is the next stage in our journey to continue the climate conversation. Having the electric van will allow us to take the conversation on the road, and into the local community. 

“Over the coming weeks and months, we will be visiting schools and businesses and attending public events in the van. We’ll deliver a range of hands-on activities and inspiring workshops to show people how climate change might affect them and how we can work together to tackle it. 

“Essentially the van gives us another way to interact with people and help them to find ways to create a stronger, healthier and more sustainable life for them and their communities.”

The Aberdeen Science Centre van has already been in action at the Aberdeen Highland Games, the European Pipe Band Championships and will soon be visiting the Stonehaven Open Air Pool on Sunday 16th July and Duthie Park's Environment Day on Sunday 30th July.

Aberdeen Science Centre was one of 13 Aberdeen projects to be awarded funding by the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund. 

Managed by ACVO and NESCAN, Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund was an opportunity for residents of Aberdeen to have their say about how the North-east of Scotland transitions to Net Zero.

Maggie Hepburn, chief executive at ACVO said: 
“ACVO were delighted to partner with Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and NESCAN Hub to deliver the first year of The Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund in the North East of Scotland. 

“A key element of the fund is that it aims to empower local people by allowing them a say in how the region’s journey to net zero is shaped. Money was awarded to projects following a public vote and we were really impressed by the level of engagement and interest shown by Aberdeen residents during this process. It’s fantastic to see the impact these projects are having in our local communities.

“Year 2 of the fund is open as of Monday 26th June and the ACVO team look forward to receiving more applications for innovative eco-friendly projects from organisations in Aberdeen.”

Bryan added: 
“As part of the funding process the local community was asked to vote for their preferred projects. We were delighted to receive the second highest number of votes. This shows that there is a real appetite for the public to get involved with the climate conversation and we look forward to inspiring people to make changes to tackle climate change.”

Based on Constitution Street near Aberdeen beach, Aberdeen Science Centre is home to almost 65 interactive exhibits, allowing people of all ages to discover topics including Space, Energy, Life Sciences, Engineering, and more.

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