Pupils lead crisis talks in COP29 simulation
School pupils have had a taste of the policy negotiations facing delegates at the COP29 climate conference during an event at the University.
More than 90 pupils from 13 schools took the roles of politicians and world-leaders in a simulation of the UN’s annual climate conference, which will be held this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event at Moray House School of Education and Sport was organised by the British Council in partnership with Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the University.
The 16-18 year-olds became world leaders, corporate lobbyists, and international media for a four-hour negotiation that mirrored the real-world climate crisis talks.
Climate negotiations
During the negotiations, the pupils had to agree on a global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and successfully reduce global temperature rises to 1.5°C.
To do this, they used computer software developed by Climate Interactive, a modelling company, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to create a real-life climate simulation.
During the negotiations, students wrestled with the same issues that will face the COP29 delegates - from slashing emissions to funding climate adaptation in vulnerable countries.
Tackling issues
Pupils collectively agreed on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support nations, and develop adaptation measures to protect cities and people.
The debates are being held across four cities this year - Edinburgh first, then Cardiff, London and Belfast.
COP29 begins on 11 November and concludes on 22 November. A group of researchers with expertise in areas such as climate change finance will be taking part in events to represent the University of Edinburgh.
Online course
The University also offers a free online course to give opportunity to examine what COP29 is, why it’s important.
The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) – called ‘Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP29' - is a two-week course, which runs in parallel with the COP29 conference. It has been developed and delivered in partnership with the British Council and Learning for Sustainability Scotland.
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.
Climate experts from the University guided the simulation, including Professor Peter Higgins, Chair in Outdoor, Environmental, and Sustainability Education and Jennifer Salmon, Earth Fellow at the Edinburgh Earth Initiative.
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 global counterparts. The sophisticated level of debate and negotiation we witnessed today gives me great confidence in the next generation of climate leaders.
I congratulate the pupils on their engagement during the event, and their drive to reach agreement on commitments to ensure we drive down emissions, enhance biodiversity and support an equitable future for all on our beautiful planet.
By taking on the roles of different countries and stakeholders, students saw just what it will take to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
The COP29 simulation initiative is part of the British Council's Schools Connect programme for schools in the UK and around the world.
Related links
Moray House School of Education and Sport
Learning for Sustainability Scotland
MOOC - Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP29
Image courtesy of British Council