It was a certain afternoon in August 2019. I was in my room, chilling. I was on my phone browsing through Instagram stories, and I came across someone’s story with the 2050 Climate Group’s handle. I was curious, so I obviously clicked on the link, and followed their page. I had never heard of them prior to this moment. I checked their website out, and their Facebook page, and found out that they were a volunteer-driven organisation that educated young people on climate change. They organise events, workshops, talks in delivering active action through young leaders. And to my surprise, they were recruiting volunteers to join their different teams/subgroups.

Curiosity knows no bounds, and after a few minutes of uninterrupted surfing and browsing through the organisations website and social media, I landed up on their recruitment page where I was redirected to a form that contains certain questions, based on whose answers they’ll decide if they’d like me to join them.It was late in the evening, and it is usually very unlike me to do something that serious, especially after I’ve come back from University. But here I was, answering all the questions of that form with the utmost sincerity, as if my life depended on it. A week later, I receive an email from a certain ‘Naomi Arnold’, that I’ve been selected for the next round, which was the face-to-face interview, in order to get into the organisation.

That interview was conducted by David Smith (YLDP subgroup) and Naomi (LN subgroup) and they were the nicest and the most welcoming people I had met during my brief (11 months) stay in Scotland so far. It went well, they made me feel very comfortable, and I told them that I’d love to take on the responsibility of a Leader’s Network volunteer, and work on enhancing their social media presence. Another week down the line, and I receive an email that I’ve been accepted, and I’m also invited to attend their ‘Away Weekend’ to get to know the members of the organisation. I was buried in prep for my end-semester exams at University and could not attend that get-together. It remains my biggest regret till this date.

Cut to current times, I’ve been a part of the 2050 Climate Group for almost 8 months now. As I’m writing this, I’m currently back home in India, and we know the whole world’s going through a tough time (hang in there world!). But to see everyone in this organisation trying to do their best for themselves and the people around them, and still pushing through to bring about a change in their communities, environment, the country and eventually the whole world in terms of climate change - is truly remarkable. Online meetings, delivering YLDP modules in a digital format – and so much more! The list could go on.

I could cite a number of examples of the amazing people I’ve met during my time there, or the nicest and kindest of friends I made who have always been so welcoming and warm, but I’ll just leave you readers with this - I can positively say that this has been my best decision since going to Scotland. I still try to do my best in keeping up with what everyone’s been doing, how the events are being organised, and do my bit to assist and help out in any way I can.

It’s been a rewarding experience, and 2050 Climate Group has always given me so much more than I’ve expected. I’ve attended multiple meetings, represented them at seminars and conferences, and even conducted a workshop for my fellow colleagues. I’ve also enjoyed attending all the socials and pub sessions post the events – all things I’m not used to doing. I’m just grateful to be a part of such an amazing organisation and to be associated with the amazing staff (Hey Sophie, Joe, Andrew, Lydia) and volunteer team (you know who you are-all of you) that runs it. I may not be physically present there with them, but they’re always in my thoughts and prayers. I promise wherever I am in the future, I’ll always be true to my connection and alliance to the movement against climate change.

And I’ll continue doing my bit in helping the youth of the country I love so much, to be climate-aware and enable them to lead a sustainable society for Scotland in a future not too far away.

Abhigyan at home in India, still repping and supporting 2050 Climate Group.

I’d like to end my write-up with a quote a certain friend told me just before the day I left Scotland, and I’d like to dedicate it to all the amazing people working in and for 2050 Climate Group - a wee reminder that you should be proud of yourselves and what you’re doing. Cause I bloody am.

“You keep the fire in me burning” – Naomi Arnold

#2050startsnow

My brief experience with 2050 Climate Group: Abhigyan Khargharia