Birmingham students tackle climate change at Schools’ COP conference

More than 70 secondary school students from 10 Birmingham schools formed teams to represent a range of countries, mirroring climate negotiations at the international COP30 in Brazil. Representing different national interests and debating decision in the chamber, the pupils got a fist hand experience of what it’s like to negotiate at the highest level.

Organised by the charity InterClimate Network (ICN) working with Birmingham City Council, the Birmingham Schools’ Model COP also gave the students the chance to meet with the council’s partner organization including Kier, National Grid and Equans to discuss ‘green’ careers and job opportunities in a range of sectors.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member or environment and transport, said: “It is always so impressive to see young people engaged in the challenges of dealing with the climate emergency and taking on the big questions around how we respond internationally .

“They know they will be living through the consequences of actions – or inaction – taken now so they understand the urgency. Understandably, they were keen to come up with ideas about how this city and region can make a difference and they want to use their voices to create change.

“It was also great to have our council partners talk to them about the green skills and jobs available in Birmingham, showing the range of careers in renewable energy, retrofit and construction.”

Michila Critchley, programme director at ICN, said: "The world's leaders are meeting for COP30 in Brazil at the heart of the Amazon rainforest right now. Their President says that the era of good intentions is over, and for all nations, 'the time for action plans has arrived'.

"Young people meeting in the heart of Birmingham have taken on the perspectives of different world leaders, and importantly, have grilled local decision-makers about climate action in our own communities.

"ICN is delighted to once again see schools, councillors and a wide range of organisations come together in this dynamic event."

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