Schools’ climate conference comes to Reading

Students from 10 local schools will be taking part in their own version of a global climate summit at Reading’s Civic Centre next week.

Sixty-five secondary school pupils will take part in the 12^th annual Reading Schools’ Climate Conference on Tuesday 18 November while world leaders are gathering at COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

The students will discuss key themes in a conference debate mirroring the UN negotiations and then quiz local decision makers on local environmental matters.

The Mayor of Reading Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles will formally open the conference which is being hosted and supported by the Council.

Students will form teams representing the diverse mix of countries attending the COP30, including Australia, Barbados, India, the USA and UK. They will negotiate climate actions in a realistic UN debate and agree resolutions on key themes.

The second part of the conference will give young people a chance to have their say about local climate action and talk about their schools’ own work to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to change.

They will also be given a preview of the emerging new Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2025-30.

Pupils will then be invited to put questions to a panel consisting of Reading’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, Cllr John Ennis, members of Reading Youth Council and representatives of local businesses and community organisations.

Cllr Ennis said:

“I am always impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm shown by the young people who take part in the Reading Schools’ Climate Conference.

“It is a great opportunity for students to discuss issues around climate change and to gain some insight into the varying priorities and points of view of different countries around the world.

“The Council has been successful in significantly reducing its own carbon footprint and is working on several major projects to continue that progress.

“I look forward to meeting the students, listening to their ideas and hearing about the great environmental work their schools are doing locally.”

The Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is organised by charity InterClimate Network, working with Reading-based consultancy Just Ideas, and with a grant from Reading Climate Change Partnership and sponsorship from SSEN.

Pupils taking part in this year’s summit are from Bulmershe School, Highdown School, Kendrick School, King’s Academy Prospect, Little Heath School, Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, Maiden Erlegh School in Reading, Reading Girls’ School, Reading School and UTC Reading.