COP26: The Big Debate

A United Nations style debate was set up by STEAM Co-ordinator. Mark Budge, and Debating Club organiser and Head of Science, David Hammond, to mark COP26 during the first few days after Long Leave. With most of COP26 already over the students were well researched and fully prepared to engage in the importance discussions surrounding fossil fuels on Wednesday 10th November.

Following a Model United Nations format, each tutor group took responsibility for representing a particular country and each year group, a continent. There were six nations participating in the debate in Main Hall with ambassadors from the other countries present to vote and put questions to the speakers. Described by David as “a deliberately contentious and hopefully simple title; ‘Fossil fuel reserves in developing countries should be left in the ground’ “The motion provided the opportunity for some controversial viewpoints and raised issues of concern for all nations.

Arguing for the motion as a representative for Brazil, Millie (Year 11) said, “The debate was very enjoyable although slightly nerve racking due to the livestream. Interestingly, I was originally against my side (fossil fuels should be mined) however after researching, although I still agree, I am significantly more open minded to both arguments.” Team-mate, Luey (Lower Sixth), representing China, added “It was a a bit nerve wrecking being on camera but it’s only two minutes to speak so it was more about finding out as much as you can and then being the most persuasive in delivering your argument. I was a bit surprised by the outcome as I thought more people would vote for the other side!”

Speaking for the opposition and representing Sweden, Harriet (Year 11) added “It was my first debate I really enjoyed it. I liked hearing people’s points of view and contending with them as it enabled me to develop my critical thinking and public speaking.” Her teammate, Timothy, representing the USA, also enjoyed the challenge of arguing for a particular viewpoint: “I enjoyed it thoroughly and would be very keen to do more public speaking related things here at this school in future. I never agreed with my point, but I really do appreciate it when I have to advocate for a motion I do not agree with as I feel it can help me improve as a debater and potentially as a lawyer if I choose that career path.”

Reflecting on the debate, David commented “I thought the level of thought and research that went into the speeches was great. The students also delivered with enthusiasm, passion and wit. I was really pleased that they were able to express the international dimension to the global problem well by trying to imagine it from other people’s perspectives. Notably for two Year 11s involved this was their first debate and they delivered in style in a unique setting of livestream. The Ambassadors did well to ask questions in a daunting forum of Main Hall and livestreamed as well. I hope that the Collect has given us all a taster of what debating can be like.”

“It was fantastic to get the whole school involved in reflecting on the issues relevant to COP26, to climate change and to their future.” observed Mark.

Check out more photos from our COP26 activities!