Pupils on Anglesey will get to take part in their own climate summit on November the 5th in an event designed to coincide with COP26, the global climate conference to be held in Glasgow.
Organised by social enterprise, Menter Môn, the summit for schools aims to raise children’s awareness about climate change and the need to take action.
This is the first time that Cop Bach Môn (Little COP Môn) has been held – it is a hybrid event with activities taking place locally and via video call. It’s hoped that it’lll be an opportunity for year five and six pupils to feel part of what’s going on at the UN Climate Change Summit of World leaders. The event on Anglesey also coincides with WWF’s ‘Pledge for Our Planet’ campaign.
During COP Bach pupils will hear from specialists, discuss and share their ideas about carbon footprint as well as learn about the green and low carbon projects already happening on the island. Those taking part will also get to record their own planet pledge.
Catrin Jones of Menter Môn is one of the organisers. She said: “There has been so much talk about COP26 in Glasgow that we were keen to give local children an opportunity to be part of the excitement and to bring some of the hot topics to the class room here. We can all do more to tackle climate change – and I’m sure the we’ll learn a lot from the children too.
“We’re proud of the innovative Menter Môn projects which are already helping to tackle climate change – including tidal stream energy scheme Morlais and the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. I hope these will inspire the children and get them interested in what’s happening right here on their own door step.”
Nel Richards is one of the speakers at COP Bach. She is a student at Cardiff University and has been chosen by the BBC as young correspondent to report from Glasgow. Talking about the event, she said: “It’s so important to highlight the issues around climate amongst young people. It’s they who will have to face the changes to our planet and who will have to create the change to tackle new challenges. This event will hopefully show what we can all do – and I hope inspire the next generation to campaign, make their voices heard and to act.”