MORE THAN 60 students from around Reading are set to part in a mock climate conference ahead of the COP29 summit next week.
Students from eight local schools will take part: The Bulmershe School, Denefield School, Highdown School & Sixth Form Centre, Kendrick School, King’s Academy Prospect, Maiden Erlegh School in Reading, Reading Girls’ School, and Reading School.
They will join representatives from businesses, community projects, and local decision-makers as part of the Model Climate Conference on Tuesday, November 12.
The event is organised by the charity InterClimate Network working together with Just Ideas, with a grant from the Reading Climate Change Partnership and sponsorship from Tomato Energy.
It coincides with the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), which takes place in Azerbaijan, which sees parties of the United Nations formally discuss response to climate change, global warming, and environmental issues.
The Reading conference is taking place during a month-long climate campaign being run by the Council, in partnership with the Met Office, which will be full of tips and advice about responding to climate change and highlighting the climate actions being taken locally.
More than 60 students will be involved at the talk which take place in the council’s civic offices on Bridge Street, which will be formally opened by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis.
They will be split into teams representing different countries to emulate debates at the COP conference, generating joint proposals to speed up responsive actions to climate change and mitigate its environemtal effects.
They will also agree on resolutions covering key themes and put forward policy positions supported by chosen arguments.
Schools will also be invited to discuss their own work to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to changes.
Participants will be invited to raise their own issues to representatives from local businesses and policy makers in a climate-focused version of Question Time.
The event is part of a month-long Local Climate Action campaign, which runs through November and also sees residents and businesses consulted on climate resillience, beneficial practises, and showcases of local achievements in climate-conciousness.
Reading’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport Cllr John Ennis, who will be on the panel, said: “The Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is an excellent forum for bringing young people together to discuss and learn more about climate change in a thought-provoking and engaging way.
“I am always impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students who take part and how they speak so passionately about the environment and climate change.”
He explained: “It fills me with hope that future generations will have the commitment and determination to drive forward the actions required in response to the climate crisis.
“It is essential we have young people on board to help us in our ambition to achieve a net zero Reading.”
