38 students from 7 schools and colleges across the Dudley area have met at the Council House to discuss critical issues about Sustainable Futures and replicate COP30 which took place recently in Belém, Brazil. Each school was invited to represent a country participating in the COP negotiations and their primary goal was to agree packages which would help to solve the Climate Crisis. 

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

Impact report

A grave threat

The Chair welcomed the students to the chamber and outlined the grave threat that climate change is posing. It was explained to the conference that the past ten years have been the hottest on record and that the planet is showing serious signs of distress. However, it is still possible to limit the long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 celsius degrees – if action is agreed at COP30. 

“Leaders must step up to make it happen.” (UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, March 2025) 

An opportunity for debate 

The agenda was presented to the delegates and was unanimously agreed, before each country was invited to put forward their opening statements. The teams took this opportunity to outline the impact that climate change is having on their land, livelihoods and populations. India outlined the threat that climate change is posing, with the risk of losing homes and workplaces a growing threat. Several countries highlighted how people’s health is also declining as a result of climate issues and people are dying as a result of extreme weather. 

Following the opening statements, all countries were invited to make comments and pose questions to each other.  

  • USA received criticism for not doing enough to support poorer nations, but were also questioned how they could whilst managing $39 billion of debt. 
  • When questioned about their commitment to cut deforestation, Brazil outlined plans to halt illegal logging by 2030 and have very selective logging.  
  • China acknowledged that flooding emergencies are becoming more frequent and pledged significant funding for flood defences and protecting farmland. 

Is enough progress being made? 

After some lively exchanges, delegates were posed the question of whether sufficient progress is being made on all countries emissions targets. Whilst three countries voted “No”, the majority agreed the partial progress is being made. Countries were also asked if they would be willing to increase their funding commitments, beyond their current targets. Several countries including UK, USA, EU and China were open to providing further financial support, though the UK expressed concern about handing money over to corrupt nations. We’re not entirely sure President Trump would endorse such commitments! 

Working towards solutions 

Despite fiery debate and severe criticism, the countries were then asked to work together to come up with proposals to tackle the climate crisis under four main headings: Cities, Energy, Forests & Foods and Oceans. The teams collaborated well and a number of potential plans were put forward to the conference. There was a proposal to increase the use of electric cars, whilst developing more eco-friendly batteries for them. The Energy group put forward a plan to reduce reliance on coal by 2040, with a shift towards use of hydroelectric power. It was proposed that the UK, China and the EU would contribute $1billion towards the project. 

The Forest and Food team recognised that there’s a global reliance on Palm Oil but nonetheless, reducing deforestation must be a priority. The group identified that the key to this is educating people and surveillance to stop illegal logging. The UK and USA were asked to pledge funding for this project. 

Market place and school commitments 

The formal part of the conference was drawn to a close, with the students congratulated on their brilliant contributions and representation of their countries. Students were invited to visit a market-place of organisations (see below) who can help schools with their sustainable futures. Students were then asked to share what actions they would like to take back and implement in their schools. 

Several schools were interested in installing solar panels, particularly as they could sell the energy generated and put this income towards other green projects. Some students talked about electing a Climate Ambassador within their school to help progress projects such as building gardens and introducing wildlife. Another school suggested half of music lessons being with non-energy instruments. 

The session ended with students giving feedback on what it was like to take part in the conference. Several students said that although it had been challenging, they were proud to be involved. 

“It was fun in a way that I can’t describe!”  Student

Who participated?

7 schools and colleges: Beacon Hill Academy, Crestwood School, Dormston School, Dudley College, Ellowes Hall, St James Academy, The Link Academy 

Sustainable Futures marketplace:

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council – Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark team, Countryside Services, Dudley Energy Advice (DEAL), Energy, Environmental Health, Historic Environment team, Waste and Recycling   

Other local organisations   – Dudley College Sixth Form, Dudley Youth Council, Climate Ambassadors Programme, National Education Nature Park, Natural England, Solar for Schools‍, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust 

Schools’ displays and talks to plenary – Ellowes Hall School, Beacon Hill Academy, Dormston School   

Thanks

Huge thanks to all the participating schools and colleges, to Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and particularly Harjot Rayet, Climate Policy Manager. The event was wholly funded by Midlands Net Zero Hub.