Young people across the UK are being given the opportunity to feed into a climate resolution that will be taken to COP26 through the new Connecting the UK Schools Project 2021. The project comes during a hugely significant year as the UK and Italy jointly host the United Nations (UN) Climate Conference COP26.
In Scotland, Scotdec is working with schools in Edinburgh (James Gillespie’s High School, Portobello High School, Holy Rood High School) and Midlothian (Penicuik High School, Newbattle High School) to engage young people to think critically about climate change.
The project is led by Size of Wales, a charity working with people in Wales and beyond to help protect four million hectares of tropical forests. Scotdec are delighted to be collaborating on the project along with the Centre for Global Education (Northern Ireland), InterClimate Network (England), and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (Wales).
The project highlight is a special online ‘Four Nations’ COP26-style conference which will bring together school students from across the UK and the Isle of Man to inspire and equip their advocacy for action on climate change at a local, national and UK wide level.
At the four nations MockCOP participants will:
- Develop knowledge of different nations and their perspectives on climate change
- Learn how international cooperation and the UN works
- Develop knowledge of global climate issues and how they are interlinked
- Build skills in speaking and listening, research, negotiation, conflict resolution and compromise
- Develop empathy and self-confidence
- Share and plan projects in their own schools and communities on climate change
- Build knowledge and skills that will develop them as global citizens.
Additionally, Size of Wales has secured a slot for a Youth Event at COP26 itself, to be held in the Green Zone on 10th November (12 – 13.30) and more will be planned for the young people involved in this project to be represented or take part in that session.
Participation is free of charge. Support for the project is provided by the ScottishPower Foundation. The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 to make a significant and lasting contribution to society, enhancing the lives of people living in communities throughout the UK. It provides funding to help support the advancement of education, environmental protection, arts and culture and citizenship.
