Young Adults Invited to Question House of Keys Candidates at "Nature - Who Cares?”

Biosphere Photographers in Residence 2025/26

Young adults from across the Isle of Man are being invited to put their questions directly to House of Keys candidates at a special pre-election event hosted at University College Isle of Man (UCM) on Wednesday 16 September at 5:30pm.

Organised by Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) and hosted by UCM, Nature - Who Cares? will provide a politically neutral forum where young adults aged 16 to 25 can hear from candidates, ask questions, and explore issues that will shape the Island's future.

With the Isle of Man General Election approaching, the event aims to encourage greater participation in the democratic process and ensure younger voices are heard in conversations about the Island's future.

The event will examine many of the issues young adults care about most, from community spaces and housing to the cost of living, energy, transport, food security and public health. These challenges are all connected, in different ways, to how we manage our land, natural resources and communities. 

Research consistently shows that younger generations place particular importance on environmental issues. A study by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), led by Cardiff University and the University of Bath in the UK, found that younger generations demonstrate higher levels of climate concern and stronger engagement with environmental issues than older age groups (Poortinga et al., 2023). A UK survey of almost 4,000 young people similarly found that more than eight in ten respondents were concerned about climate change and its impacts (InterClimate Network, 2021).

Young adults will live longest with the consequences of the decisions made over the next parliamentary term, so it is important that they have opportunities to engage directly with the people seeking election.

This event is not about telling people what to think or how they should vote. It is about creating an opportunity for young adults to ask questions, hear different perspectives and engage directly with candidates.

We want to encourage informed debate and help ensure that young people's voices are part of the conversation about the future of our Biosphere.
Graham Makepeace-Warne, Chief Executive Officer
Manx Wildlife Trust
The event is a chance for young people to ask questions, challenge ideas and make their voice heard. Young people care deeply about the Isle of Man and they have their say in its future.
Tiphaine Claveau, Education Officer
Manx Wildlife Trust

The event follows recent election-focused commentary from MWT exploring candidates' views on nature, sustainability and the future of the Island. Organisers stress that Nature - Who Cares? is not intended to promote any political party, candidate or policy position. Instead, its purpose is to create space for constructive discussion between young adults and election candidates on issues that matter to the next generation.

Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions on any topic that matters to them. While environmental issues will form part of the discussion, the event will welcome conversation on the full range of challenges and opportunities facing the Isle of Man.

Find out more: NATURE… WHO CARES?! | Manx Wildlife Trust

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