March 19, 2023

Climate Summit at Green Park

Two teams of Year 7 students with a leaning towards our Quaker value of Sustainability had the pleasure and privilege of joining the President of COP26, Rt Hon Sir Arok Sharma, for a youth Climate Summit entitled ‘There is Only One Earth’ at Green Park Business Park on Friday 17th March.

 

This event, organised by St Edward’s School, presented a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in meaningful discussions about climate change and explore ways to take action against it. The event united local schools and brought together climate experts from the University of Reading, an energy consultant from Reduce Energy Ltd and Sir Alok Sharma, former COP26 President, who shared his experiences in climate policy. The aim was to come up with pupil-led pledges in teams and for the delegates to collaboratively choose one pledge to commit to as schools for a year – with the ambition to meet annually going forward.

 

The event consisted of four elements:(1) A talk from Alok Sharma; (2) the Sustainability Fair (3) Climate Discussion and Vote; and (4) Reading Schools’ Climate Pledge Announcement. Similar to COP events, students were being asked to bring their climate pledges to the event: something that their school will do or is already doing to improve its impact on the environment. Our students brought their Flexitarianism approach, encouraging schools to embrace ‘meat free Monday’ and to reduce rather than cut out the amount of meat they eat. The Bokashi bins initiative was also shared, with students espousing the virtues of speedy food waste recycling, something that Oakview restaurant have been trialling on the Park for almost a year.

 

After a preparatory session during Monday’s NEWTs (Nature, Environment and Wildlife Team) Club the Year 7s were all set! They were delighted to win first place for their Flexitarianism idea, proudly returning with a signed copy of ‘The Climate Book’ by Greta Thunberg.

 

“It was a really fun experience because we got to talk to other kids about one of the biggest challenges we face and this meant I learnt loads.” Reflected Aaron (Year 7)

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