SCHOOL pupils from across Solihull came together to discuss climate change at a model COP28 summit.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Diana Holl-Allen welcomed the Secondary Schools from across the borough to the Council Chamber for the Solihull Schools Climate Conference in partnership with Inter-Climate Network (ICN).
Each team of pupils undertook the role of a country in the UN, and debated the progress so far towards carbon reduction targets from the 2015 Paris Agreement and tried to unanimously decide on solutions to the biggest climate change and sustainability concerns.
They also gave presentations about the environment-friendly initiatives they have been implementing at school.
Alderbrook School was awarded a Level 1 Greener School Award by Prime Accountants following on from the Greener School Awards ceremony which took place in November.
The Mayor of Solihull, said: “It is heartening to see so much passion and enthusiasm from Solihull’s students about such an important topic.
“We continue to make a serious commitment to climate education and action across the borough – I am inspired by these students’ dedication to sustainable problem-solving and preserving our planet for the future.”
The group then took part in a Q&A session with the Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Ian Courts, where he answered questions on the Council’s plans to decarbonise transport, actions against littering and how the Council collaborates across the region to combat climate change.
Councillor Courts said: “It is wonderful to see young people from Solihull taking such an active interest in COP28.
“Their insight into how to take better care of the world around us reminds us all that we need to constantly strive to do better.
“Collaboration is the key to taking swift and significant action to reduce the impact of climate change and I hope these students now have a better understanding of what it means to work together to tackle environmental issues.
“Climate action and sustainability continues to be a top priority for Solihull Council as we work towards our net-zero carbon emission targets.
“I hope our conference has inspired these young people to start their own innovative projects to mitigate climate change and establish Solihull as a leader in sustainability.”
