Pupils from across Ross-shire have a say on climate change at Mock COP27 as global spotlight falls on burning issue
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PUPILS from schools across Ross-shire are amongst those from across the Highlands contributing the climate change debate at a time when the global spotlight is on the issue.
Seventy-five senior pupils from 11 secondary schools are taking part in the Mock COP27 to raise awareness and increase understanding of the landmark global political conference.
The event will help the young people contribute to the climate change debate and show them that their voice matters.
Schools from Ross-shire taking part include Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Gairloch High School and Invergordon Academy.
Primary schools getting involved include Glenelg Primary School, Loch Duich Primary School, North Kessock Primary and Strathconon Primary School.
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Organised by The Open University (OU) in Scotland, in partnership with the Highland One World Global Learning Centre, Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highlands (DYWICH) and Highland Council, the event on November 15 will bring together fifth and sixth-year pupils to represent and negotiate on behalf of chosen countries while trying to make a difference in the battle against climate change.
Launched as a virtual event to support COP26 in 2021 with four schools, the event has expanded to an in-person event taking place in the Highland Council chambers in Inverness.
Modelled on the UN Conference of the Parties (COP), which is taking place now in Egypt, the Mock COP27 will teach students to consider the outcomes for their country and the global impact of the decisions made. Each school will even have a student reporter, who will be supported by Highland News Media.
Gemma Burnside, partnership manager at the OU and lead organiser of the event, said: “The pupils will develop their confidence, communication skills, and negotiation, as well as gaining a better understanding of climate change and democracy.
“Last year, we had students change their career plans following the event. It’s set to be an inspiring day – these students are our future.
“The OU and its partners are also planning to encourage other schools across Scotland to create their own Mock COP events.”
Chair of Highland Council climate change committee, Cllr Karl Rosie, who attended the Mock COP27, said: "We are honoured to be hosting this year's Mock COP27 event here at Highland Council. This high-profile event represents another crucial opportunity to shine a light on the importance of action against climate change.
"It's fantastic to see how engaged and climate aware the young people taking part in today's event are. They epitomise the kind of determination we will all need if we are to effectively address the ecological and climate emergency we are facing."
Ahead of the Mock COP27, local primary schools also shared their vision for a fairer more sustainable future as part of Highland One World and The OU in Scotland's Art for Action project.
The project invited pupils to learn, think and get creative on climate issues that matter to them. They translated their learning into creative art projects to raise awareness and demand change, as well as creating videos to share their learning. The artwork will be displayed at Highland Council Chambers during COP27 and as part of the Mock COP (images attached).
Secondary schools that are taking part in Mock COP27, include: Ardnamurchan Secondary School, Charleston Academy, Culloden Academy, Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Gairloch High School, Glen Urquhart High School, Inverness High School, Inverness Royal Academy, Invergordon Academy and Speyside High School.
Primary schools that took part in Art for Action, included: Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, Crossroads Primary School, Crown Primary School, Eigg Primary School, Glenelg Primary School, Kirkhill Primary School, Loch Duich Primary School, Lochardil Primary, Lairg Primary School, Muirtown Primary, North Kessock Primary, Strathconon Primary School.
Want to know more about who is involved?
Highland Council
Highland Council provides public services across the largest council region in the UK. The Highland Council serves a third of the land area of Scotland, including the most remote and sparsely populated parts of the United Kingdom. The Highlands has the 7th highest population of the 32 authorities in Scotland (235,540) while having the lowest population density at 8 people per square kilometre.
Highland One World Global Learning Centre
Highland One World Global Learning Centre (HOW)
HOW is an education charity based in Inverness. The organisation has worked across the Highlands and Islands for over 30 years to support education for global citizenship. The charity provides training and resources for all sectors of education, and their work includes support for learning on human rights, diversity, climate justice, ant-racism and fair trade.
Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highlands
Taking learning beyond the classroom and helping bring the curriculum to life.
Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH) was established in 2016 as part of the Scottish Government’s youth employment strategy. Hosted by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, its aim is to forge key links between employers and schools, helping businesses to engage with their future workforce and better prepare young people for the world of work. DYWICH has a school coordinator in every secondary school in the area, working closely with educators, partners and employers to support young people in planning their future careers and gaining the skills and confidence they will need.
For further information visit the website www.dywich.co.uk
Is your school in Ross-shire involved in climate change projects? Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
