115 young people and teachers, from 22 schools, gathered at Furness Academy for Cumbria’s fifth Youth Climate Summit, which took place on 27 June. The day of climate action was organised by Furness Academy students, who worked closely with Cumbria Development Education Centre to curate a day focussed on the students’ chosen theme, “Act Local, Think Global”. A full overview of the day is now available in the event report.
Attended by students aged eight to 17, the event kicked off with a welcome from the organisers and a keynote speech from Jenny Willams from Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS). Pupils then participated in workshops on topics ranging from biodiversity and fast fashion, to renewable energy and climate activism.
Between sessions, activities like Speakers’ Corner and Carbon Pledge World gave students space to share their ideas and commitments to climate action. The agenda also featured school networking and an upcycled fashion show.
First launched in 2019 at Robert Ferguson Primary School, the summit has become a regular part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria programme supported by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund. The summit is strongly youth-led, providing students a platform to explore climate issues, take meaningful action, and showcase their school’s existing initiatives.
To fully explore the inspiring work and ideas from Cumbria’s young climate leaders, read the Youth Climate Summit 2025 Report here.
A video from the summit, made by Lucy and Susie of Kendal College, will follow soon.
