Twelve students and two staff from across the OX14 Learning Partnership enjoyed a fascinating trip to the Oxfordshire Schools Climate Conference held in Oxford Town Hall and hosted by MCS and the Oxfordshire Schools Sustainability Network.
The event mirrored the COP29 event currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. It welcomed representatives from 17 schools across the country who represented different country delegations. The OX14 students worked in cross-school groups, presenting for the UK, Chile, and Brazil delegations.
After a welcome talk by climate scientist and activist Matthew Shribman (CliMatt) and the MCS COP president, who gave a Road to Baku summary, students had the nerve-wracking job of planning and presenting a one-minute speech in front of everyone in the beautiful surroundings of the council chambers. They then split into subcommittees, discussing topics including climate impact and mitigation on cities, energy, forests, food, and oceans.
Over lunch, there were further opportunities to discuss climate amendments, although these discussions were interrupted by lobbyists from the oil and fertilizer industries and protests from indigenous groups.
Committees then had to decide on final proposals before summarising in the plenary sessions in front of the entire conference. At the end, the group live-streamed into COP in Baku before heading back at the end of a fascinating day.
St Helen’s students shared their experiences:
Attending OXCOP was a fascinating experience as we got to see what really happens at COP. We were in groups between schools from across the OX14 partnership, which was great to get to know other geographers in the area. I really enjoyed learning about how different countries can help combat climate change by working together.
Ceci (L6)
OXCOP was an informative event. I especially enjoyed networking with like-minded students from local schools and coming together to collate our ideas on how countries can reduce the rate of global warming.
Charlotte (L6)
We started off the day by preparing our opening statements with our groups and then before lunch, we were able to make our own proposals which we could get other countries to support before lunch. It was really enjoyable to see what it would be like in a real climate conference. After lunch we then all gathered in one room where we could present our proposals to each committee. In this, people were able to challenge the proposals being made which was very exciting!
Ella (L6)
This event embodied the values of the OX14 Learning Partnerships where students were undoubtedly challenged to step outside their comfort zone with a large group of young people they did not know. They supported one another to work towards a common goal and finally, they were inspired to participate in such a great local event and by the way so many talented young people from across the county came together to discuss and collaborate on such a crucial topic.
