Pupils Lead Climate Crisis Talks in Edinburgh COP29 Simulation
More than 90 pupils from 13 schools gathered at the University of Edinburgh on 31st October; stepping up to face the same critical decisions that will confront global leaders at the forthcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku. The event was organised by the British Council in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and Learning for Sustainability Scotland.
Using cutting-edge simulation technology, these 16–18-year-olds became world leaders, corporate or climate lobbyists, and international media for an intense four-hour negotiation that mirrors the real-world climate crisis talks.
The stakes were high: keep global warming below 1.5°C whilst balancing the competing interests of nations rich and poor. During the negotiations, pupils wrestled with the same thorny issues that will face COP29 delegates – from slashing emissions to funding climate adaptation in vulnerable countries.
By the end of the debate, pupils collectively agreed to keep global warming under 1.9°C; just over the target, but made headway with strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support nations, and develop adaptation measures to protect planet and people.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Net Zero, Gillian Martin MSP, welcomed the pupils to the event and said:
“It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to address a group of young people who are passionate about tackling the climate crisis. Their voices are more important than ever in the fight against climate change. Around the world, young people have been instrumental in bringing the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis to the forefront of discussions. The Scottish Government is working to amplify and empower young voices in the global climate debate, especially those from the Global South.
“I want to thank every one of them for taking part; for their dedication; and for their drive to make a difference, and I look forward to hearing more about the outcomes of today’s event.”
Rebecca Dick, a pupil from St Margaret’s Academy in West Lothian who acted as one of the UN Secretaries-General, reflected on the experience: “The Climate debate felt very real today – we began with research into climate issues, the countries taking part in COP this year, and what the UN Secretaries-General do. It was tough! We had to keep everyone to time and helping with the negotiations.
“I learnt that UN COP negotiations are hard, and that it’s tricky striking a balance between being passionate about the environment and being realistic about what each country can do. Each country has a voice; but the inequalities between them, and how they’re heard on the world stage, are plain to see.”
She added: “I will be following the news about COP29 in Baku and whether they reach agreements. We all have a role to play to make the world a better place. I will definitely be involved in the future and want to attend climate rallies, conventions and share my opinion at university or through my job.”
Leading climate experts from the University of Edinburgh guided the simulation; including Professor Pete Higgins, Chair in Outdoor, Environmental, and Sustainability Education at University of Edinburgh; and Jennifer Salmon, Earth Fellow at the Edinburgh Earth Initiative.
Professor Higgins said: “Young people are too often thought of as ‘citizens in waiting’, which is enormously frustrating given that the future is theirs. I was deeply impressed with the pupils’ understanding of the complex issues facing humanity and their drive to reach meaningful agreements.”
He added: “My fervent hope is that the negotiators at COP29 have the wisdom to make meaningful commitments in the manner demonstrated by these young Citizens today!”
Jennifer Salmon added: Often, the burden falls on young people to educate themselves in order to be able to have their voices heard, but this Climate Negotiation Simulation ensured that pupils gained an insight into what climate negotiations look like behind the scenes. By taking on the roles of different countries and stakeholders, pupils saw just what it will take to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. I hope that the young people involved will now feel empowered to have those challenging climate conversations in real life.”
Peter Brown, Director of British Council Scotland, said the simulations are helping to build crucial diplomatic skills: I’m really pleased to come together with our partners at the University of Edinburgh and Learning for Sustainability Scotland for another of the COP Climate Debate Simulations. These events are helping to build the international understanding and diplomatic skills for pupils that will be crucial for their futures and are also a great way for them to connect with their global counterparts. The sophisticated level of debate and negotiation we witnessed today gives me great confidence in the next generation of climate leaders.”
About this event
The event was part of a series of British Council climate simulations taking place across the UK, in the run-up to COP29. It continues the work of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme for schools in the UK and around the world. Through its Climate Connection programme, the British Council continues to support people globally in finding creative solutions to climate change; engaging with networks of education professionals, pupils, academics, researchers, artists, civil society leaders and policymakers to participate in meaningful dialogue and bring about real change for our planet. Visit British Council | Scotland for more information about the organisation’s work here in Scotland, or follow on Twitter, or Facebook.
Note: Watch this video to see coverage of similar events which coincided with COP28 negotiations.
About Learning for Sustainability Scotland Learning for Sustainability Scotland (LfSS) is Scotland’s Regional Centre of Expertise on Education (RCE) for Sustainable Development – acknowledged by the United Nations University. It is part of a global network of over 190 RCEs throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. This international network allows regions and countries to share and learn from each other, and to establish or strengthen international partnerships. The LfSS office is hosted by the University of Edinburgh and is part of the Moray House School of Education & Sport campus.
About Moray House, School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh
Moray House School of Education and Sport has been making a major contribution to the fields of education and sport for almost 200 years. Their staff, pupils and alumni have influenced, improved, and transformed learning, teaching and policy worldwide. The most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) results places Moray House as Scotland’s top-ranked institution for research breadth and quality in education and sport.
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022-23 we reached 600 million people.