STUDENTS in Reading are set to take part in a model climate conference next month.
Reading Borough Council will host pupils from eight secondary schools across the borough for a mock COP28 conference.
The event will emulate the real-world United Nations Climate Change Conference which begins on Thursday, November 30, engaging students in debate, negotiation, and a question-and-answer session.
It will coincide with Youth Day at the real-world event and will be opened by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page.
Students will form teams to represent a mix of 16 countries, including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, India, the US, and the UK.
They will then take part in a model conference debate with carefully-chosen arguments, designed to mirror real UN negotiations, before settling on a set of resolutions to put forward on key issues.
The second part of the conference will see them take part in Climate Question Time, where students will be invited to put forward question to a panel of councillors, activists, and organisation representatives.
The panel will include Reading Borough Council’s lead member for climate strategy and transport, Cllr John Ennis; the head of climate strategy at RBC, Peter Moore; co-chair of Reading Climate Change Partnership, Tracy Rawling-Church, and the cultural manager at Jelly and activist, Laura De Moxom, as well as members of the Reading Youth Council.
Students from King’s Academy Prospect, Highdown School, Kendrick School, Maiden Erlegh, Reading School, Maiden Erlegh, Chiltern Edge, Denefield School, and Bulmershe School.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “The Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is a brilliant way for young people to learn more about global warming and the issues behind it.
“The day gives them a deeper understanding of the challenges that face different communities around the world and how important it is for people from all backgrounds to come together and work on solutions.
“The more young people who are engaged and passionate about the environment and global climate crisis, the more hope we all have for the future.”
He explained: “We recently learned that Reading’s carbon emissions have fallen by 51% since 2005 and the Council has cut its own carbon footprint by 74% in 14 years.
“But we still have a lot to do to achieve our target for Reading to be net zero by 2030 and having local young people on board is essential.”
Brian Grady, director of education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “It is crucial that our younger generations recognise climate change and the threats it poses, and the Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is a great opportunity to learn more.
“These are the young people who will one day be making key decisions for the good of our planet, whether that be shaping the policies we all live by or making informed choices in their personal lives.
“An event like this is an excellent way to share knowledge and spark an interest in protecting our planet and tackling climate change.”
Michila Critchley, programme manager at InterClimate Network, said: “The UN said in November that nations are taking ‘baby steps’ to avert the climate crisis.
“We know that COP28 must provide grown-up responses – from stronger national policies to more ambitious joint climate action, to fair funding especially to where climate impacts are already massive.
“This conference allows secondary school students from across Reading to be immersed in these critical global negotiations as at the UN and importantly, means they can put our own local decision-makers on the spot.”
They added: “Our aim is for everyone to leave inspired and ready for more climate action, whether their influence lies in school, amongst family and friends, or in the wider community.
“ICN greatly appreciates the support of Reading Climate Change Partnership and Reading Borough Council for this event and the expertise of Just Ideas Ltd.”
The 10th Reading Schools’ Model Climate Conference is taking place on Friday, December 8, at the Civic Offices Council Chamber, Bridge Street.
