Students from 10 schools across Birmingham came together at the City’s Council Chambers on 12th November to discuss and debate climate issues. The students formed small teams, each representing a country attending COP30 and were encouraged to contribute to a debate about the issues surrounding climate change.

Explore the negotiations and our impact report below. Learn more about our youth COP30 events here.

Impact report

Reaffirming commitments towards Net Zero

Ellie Horwich-Smith, Lead of Birmingham’s Route to Net Zero, welcomed the students to the chamber, saying: “We are delighted to host our third model conference and it’s fantastic to see so many schools represented today. We are in our third year and COP is in it’s 30th year, hopefully 30 years from now we’ll be talking about what we have achieved.”  Ellie went on to explain her role to the students, highlighting that it includes reducing the City’s carbon footprint and influencing how money is spent to help the climate crisis.

The chairs of the conference, Monica Golding and Erica Purvis, reminded delegates that ten years on from the Paris Agreement this year needed to focus on acting as one towards Net Zero.

Delegates unanimously agreed the agenda, and each country delivered its opening statement. Several countries outlined the devastating impact that climate change is having on their environment, population and livelihoods. There were calls for closer collaboration to tackle the crisis and many reaffirmed their commitment to keep working towards their Net Zero targets.

“Climate change is not a future threat – it’s happening right now. We need to put words into action.” Nigerian delegation

Delegates critique major emitters

Delegates considered whether sufficient progress is being made on all country emission targets and unanimously concluded it is only partial, sparking debate and questions about commitments.

China was criticised for not doing enough, especially considering the impact of their manufacturing on carbon emissions. However, China responded by asking what further commitments could be made and that they were proud to be supporting poorer nations.

The USA partnership of 24 states was asked how they could encourage President Trump to re-engage with the debate – “It’s not easy as Trump’s first priority was to pull out of the Paris Agreement. It’s difficult to put money where our mouth is until there’s a change in government.”

Despite the heated exchange, the UK congratulated others on their achievements to date. There was a general consensus that higher emitting countries should be increasing their targets and there was a call for greater collaboration between countries.

Rich countries look to finance progress

Delegates were asked whether they would raise their national targets, with some signalling willingness to do more. However, poorer nations, including Nigeria and Bangladesh, stressed that additional financial support would be essential if they were to increase their commitments.

Wealthier countries such as the UK, USA, UAE and Australia said they would consider further financial support for poorer nations, with Australia noting its higher targets are now enshrined in legislation. Yet concerns lingered over funding promises that are often discussed but not always delivered.

Partnerships forged on Cities, Energy, Forests and Oceans

Delegates collaborated to find solutions and develop partnerships under four main themes: Cities, Energy, Forests & Foods and Oceans. The Cities working group reached an agreement that wealthier countries would invest in green infrastructure in nations such as Nigeria and Bangladesh. Whilst the USA agreed in principle, they requested that the $400 billion budget be reviewed!

Several other proposals were put forward, with further discussion needed to reach agreement. The Energy working group put forward a plan for switching to renewable energy and it was proposed that Chile would provide resources, with UAE to finance the initiative. USA admitted that their ability to provide funding is limited, given their alliance of 24 states and the possibility of investment from private companies was raised.

The Food and Forests group put forward a plan to fund the growing of mangos in Indonesia, but this was criticised as being too specific to the region – with the UK agreeing to funding if the focus was expanded.

After these discussions, the formal conference was concluded and students were asked how they felt about the experience:

“It was hard because you had to research the country and anticipate the responses of others.”

Question time

Students were given an opportunity to question a panel of people working across the City on Climate Change issues. The panel included Councillor Mahmood, who commented that he was very impressed with the efforts of young people to tackle climate change.

The students presented the panel with a range of challenging questions and voiced frustration around the continuing bin strikes happening across the City. The effectiveness of new recycling bins were questioned if residents are having to use their cars to take rubbish to the tip!  It was also queried why there were no recycling bins available during their lunch!

One student highlighted the extra challenges that disabled people face in being sustainable and the challenges of charging mobility equipment was noted and appreciated.

Panel member, Danielle Parker, concluded by encouraging the students to keep asking questions of their school leaders and holding them to account.

In the news

We were pleased to receive coverage across social media and local press – including articles on Birmingham World and New Midlands –  Brum defies gloomy climate summit headlines with carnival of the animals 

Who participated?

10 schools: Bordesley Green Girls School; Eden Girls Leadership Academy; King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys; King Edward VI Sheldon Heath; King Edwards Aston; Prince Albert High School; Selly Park Girls School; Starbank School; Stockland Green School; Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

Climate Question Time panel

  • Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham City Council, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, and Waste
  • Owen Gardner, EarthSense
  • John Bryers, MODEShift Stars
  • Danielle Parker, Solar for Schools
  • Jane Goodman, sustainability consultant

Climate action marketplace: Equans; Kier; Lets Go Zero; ModeShift Stars; Birmingham City Council Highways; Walk Wheel & Cycle Trust; National Grid; National Parks

Funding and support

The conference was hosted and funded by Birmingham City Council.

Thanks also to contributions and matched funding from Big Give, and a DWF Foundation Grant underpinning the event. 

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