The Youth Climate Summit was held at Queen Katherine School in Kendal last week, providing an excellent opportunity for youth voice to be heard whilst a the same time exploring ideas and learning about climate change.
The summit, organised by CDEC and CAfS, brought together schools from across Cumbria for a variety of workshops and talks around the theme of ‘energy and biodiversity’. They had the the chance to explore solar power, school based and pupil-led rewilding projects and studied local biodiversity in the community garden at the school. The workshops were designed in way that means that those attending can take them back to school and pass on what they have learnt, having a huge impact within the schools that attended.
Those in attendance also heard from the Zero Carbon Cumbria partnership including some of the different projects that are taking place across Cumbria. The Zero Carbon Cumbria sector groups were explained, with their aims and focus areas, and there were plenty of opportunities for the young people to voice their opinions and ask questions; collating ideas and concerns that will be shared with the different sector groups.
Local MP Time Farron paid a visit – taking questions from the young people and taking part in one of the workshops. He also gave some inspirational closing remarks, emphasising those small sustainable changes that can make a difference as well as talking about the importance of future leaders. There was also a takeover of our social media accounts by some of the students – well worth looking back on to get a flavour of the day.
Tim Farron wrapping up the YCS today with an important message; everyone making small sustainable changes in their lives adds up to make a big overall difference! We’ve loved getting involved today and taking over the ZCC socials – thank you to all involved 🌎 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/wE2DxcojPa
— Zero Carbon Cumbria (@netzerocumbria) July 6, 2023
We will work with those who attended this year to produce a report and to plan next years event, which will be in a different part of the county and may have a different emphasis. Stay in touch with us to find out more.
