A Platform for Young Climate Leaders
Students from over 20 schools across Cumbria recently came together at the Furness Academy in Barrow for the Cumbria Youth Climate Summit. This event, which brought together 115 pupils from 23 primary and secondary schools, marked the largest summit yet. Organised by the Cumbria Development Education Centre (CDEC) in collaboration with the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, the summit aimed to provide a platform for young people to engage with pressing climate issues.
Exploring Real-World Climate Issues
The annual summit has always focused on empowering students to discuss real-world climate challenges. This year’s theme, “Act Local, Think Global,” encouraged participants to consider how local actions can contribute to global solutions. The event featured a variety of interactive sessions designed to inspire and educate.
A keynote speech delivered by Jenny Williams from Students Organising Sustainability set the tone for the day. Additionally, the programme was shaped with input from the students themselves, ensuring that their voices were central to the discussions.
A Marketplace of Ideas
One of the highlights of the summit was the marketplace of ideas, where students had the opportunity to explore stalls run by various organisations. These included Futureproof Cumbria, Cumbria Clothing Collective, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Each stall provided insights into different aspects of sustainability and environmental action.
In addition to the marketplace, there was a photo gallery showcasing charities across Cumbria that are actively working towards sustainable practices. Schools also had the chance to display their projects on sustainable fashion and biodiversity, offering a glimpse into the creative efforts being made in local communities.
Engaging Workshops and Interactive Sessions
Throughout the day, nine workshops and interactive sessions took place, covering a range of topics related to climate change and sustainability. These sessions allowed students to delve deeper into specific issues and share their perspectives.
Another key feature of the event was the “Speakers’ Corner,” where students could present their ideas and passions. This open forum encouraged dialogue and collaboration among participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
A Fashion Show with a Message
The day concluded with a fashion show, where students showcased their designs made from pre-loved clothes. This creative display not only highlighted the importance of recycling and upcycling but also demonstrated the potential for sustainable fashion in everyday life.
A student from Furness Academy reflected on the experience, stating: “The biggest highlight of the day was it clicking in my head how important this actually is.” This sentiment was echoed by several council members who attended the event, including Janet Battye, Tony Callister, Beverley Morgan, and Tim Bloomer.
Insights from Council Members
Councillor Battye expressed her admiration for the young people involved, saying: “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across Cumbria coming together to lead conversations on climate change.” She emphasized the role of education in not only informing but also empowering students to take action.
Councillor Giles Archibald, who serves as the cabinet member for climate, biodiversity, and environmental services, highlighted the importance of supporting events like the Youth Climate Summit. He noted that such initiatives help ensure that the next generation understands the challenges they face and is equipped to be part of the solution.
Empowering the Next Generation
Alison Hooper, the climate action projects coordinator for CDEC, praised the impact of the summit’s theme, “Act Local, Think Global.” She noted that the structure of the day provided students with an opportunity to come together, have their voices heard, and gain confidence in their ability to make a difference.
The Cumbria Youth Climate Summit is part of the broader Zero Carbon Cumbria Programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions in the county by 2037. Through events like this, the programme continues to foster a culture of environmental awareness and active participation among young people.
