SCHOOL pupils from across Solihull came together to discuss climate change at a model COP26 summit.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ken Meeson, welcomed pupils from nine secondary schools to the Council Chamber for the Solihull Schools Climate Conference in partnership with Inter-Climate Network (ICN).
Each team of students undertook the role of a country in the UN, offering a short opening speech before delving into the formal negotiation process, putting forth their country’s views on climate change and debating progress towards the Paris Agreement.
The conference gave the youngsters a chance to explore the global impact of climate change, as well as developing their public speaking and critical thinking skills.
Speaking at the summit the Mayor said: “These changes are important to me, but they are far more important to the youth, as they are the generation that will have to live with the effects of climate change.
“They are the key to our planet’s future, and members of the older generation, myself included, can learn so very much from them.
“There are a lot of changes coming. Some we will find easy, others are going to be quite challenging for all of us.
“We are expecting our new hybrid Mayoral car next week, and we are making sure it is environmentally friendly, most of my journeys will now be electric and not contributing to carbon emissions.”
Coun Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “I only wish world leaders could be present at events like this.
“To take on board the great ideas and passion our young generation has for the preservation of our planet.
“The youth of today is admirable in their drive for change.
“To the students of the world: never stop preaching the message we need to take action on climate change.”
