The Student Climate Network says it is ’disheartened’ by the decision not to include student representatives as a group for the Climate Change Citizens Forum.

Established as part of the government’s climate change plan, the Forum is made up of 36 people who will advise policy making.

However, Archibald Elliot, spokesman for the SCN says the group is disappointed that no one under the age of 18 was invited to take part.

He said: ’We view it as a blatant disregard of what we have been campaigning for, especially as the principles of our organization are to give the youth a united and strong voice on this issue, which so greatly affects our future.

’However we will be working alongside the student representative to pass on our opinions and represent the youth.

’Even though we have a wealth of experience as a stakeholder group, and were included in the Targeted Stakeholder Engagement, and have worked with DEFA, and Professor Curran to give our opinions on our future, they have not considered it necessary to have any youth representation of under 18s on the Forum, even though they make up 20% of the population.

’It is clearly not a representative forum.’

Mr Elliot said the government is ignoring the SCN but that they would continue to push for a greener future, including bringing forward the net neutrality carbon commitment from 2050 to 2035.

Ralph Peake, MHK for Douglas North, has said that while the Forum is full, he is open to engaging with the SCN and the island’s young people.

He told the Examiner that an advert was placed for students to apply to join and many applicants, including Mr Elliot, went through the same process before the student member was chosen.

Mr Peake said the Forum was intended to be ’representative of the public’ rather than solely being made up of climate experts as the Forum would be able to explore and react to potential policy changes in a way that reflects wider society, including those who are sceptical about the plans.

Students across the island will have a chance to engage with the Forum, Mr Peake has said, as he intends to hold ’mini-forums’ in the island’s schools to allow young people to engage with the process.

Mr Peake also said he hopes Mr Arhcibald will continue to engage with the Forum which he said is like a ’living consultation.

The SCN will be holding a protest outside Tynwald on Friday, December 11, at 12.30pm and welcomes any residents who wish to join them to do so.