51 students from 6 schools and colleges and across the borough of Solihull met at the Civic Suite on 19th November 2025 to discuss ever pressing climate issues and recreate COP30 which has been taking place in Belém, Brazil.  Each school sent a team of students to represent one of the countries who have been in attendance in Belém, with their main task to agree programmes that will help to tackle the Climate Crisis.

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

A mayor’s welcome

The conference was opened by Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, who welcomed the students to the council chambers, saying:

“As Mayor of Solihull, it’s a pleasure to welcome you all to our chamber. I’m delighted that today, it becomes your space, a place for your voices, your ideas and your leadership. This is a powerful opportunity. . . Your generation brings an energy and determination that brings us all hope.”

The agenda was presented and unanimously approved before each country gave opening statements. Teams highlighted climate change’s impact on their nations, with many calling for more collaboration to tackle the crisis. Brazil stressed the need for action, while China emphasized global unity to address unprecedented challenges and build a better future.

Welcoming the other nations, Brazil bluntly stated, “We must take action, otherwise why are we here?” China also called for the world to come together: “In our lifetime, we have never experienced the challenges we have now, we hope we can work together to build a better future.”

An opportunity for lively debate

Following the opening statements, countries were given the opportunity to make comments and pose questions to each other – a challenge which students didn’t shy away from! There was debate between Australia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), with each criticising the other for their continued reliance on oil and UAE accusing Australia of hypocrisy. UAE were keen to tell Australia that they were more reliant on oil and that UAE have much more ambitious climate targets.

The USA faced criticism for stepping up oil production but insisted it was working with partners to shift toward renewables. They were also asked if they would be willing to fund land-protection programmes. The Marshall Islands highlighted that despite being one of the lowest contributors of emissions, they are one of the most vulnerable and had ambitious targets to tackle the crisis.

Is enough progress being made?

The lively and heated debate was cooled whilst the chair posed a question to the delegates: is sufficient progress being made on all country emissions targets? Only one country agreed that enough progress was being made, with six nations voting “No” – with the majority voting “partially.” Further debate followed between the delegates, with some questioning the ability of their counterparts to reach their targets, given restricted resources and finances.

Collaboration to make a difference

After such fiery debate, the countries were asked to work together to come up with proposals to make a difference in four main areas: Cities, Energy, Forests & Foods and Oceans. The teams put together a number of proposals to try to get a grip on the Climate Crisis. The Cities group presented a plan to increase the use of public transport and eliminate car and flight journeys of under 3 hours. It was proposed that the UN and EU might fund this programme. The Chair asked if the UK would be prepared to contribute – but the UK suggested they could only commit a small contribution.

Countries leading the Forests and Foods agenda proposed cutting deforestation by 2045 and pledging to replace felled trees by 2035, calling on all nations to contribute. The UK faced criticism for its reluctance to commit.

Celebrating action in schools

Students were congratulated for their participation in the model COP30 and invited to now represent their schools. Several schools were invited to share the initiatives they are working on to help reduce the impacts of climate change:

  • Arden School shared they have a weekly eco group meeting, a Monday litter pick after school and they run campaigns to encourage walking and cycling to school.
  • Lyndon School talked about their actions encouraging active travel and litter-picking
  • Solihull School celebrated their achievement of raising £22k for global sustainability charities, as well as planting trees on their school grounds and upgrading their waste bins. They also hold assemblies to raise awareness around food waste and have subsequently seen a reduction in food wastage.
  • Solihull Sixth Form have a big focus on reducing energy consumption and planting trees to increase biodiversity. They have also banned students from bringing cars on site.

A time for questions

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz joined the students and gave them the opportunity to ask questions about the council’s approach to climate change. The students posed interesting and challenging questions, including how the council plan on involving young people in tackling the issues. Councillor Mackiewicz was keen to know who in the room believes that climate change is a threat, and everyone raised their hands.

He then expressed a wish to hold more events like this conference to engage young people. “We should send young people to the real COP and get rid of the old politicians!”

Who participated?

6 schools and colleges: Alderbrook School, Langley School, Lyndon School, Solihull School, Solihull Sixth Form 

Climate Question Time Speakers:

  • Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Planning 
  • Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Children and Education 

Thanks

Our thanks go to all the participating schools and colleges and their teachers, and to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for their support and hosting of the conference. A particular thanks to Sarah Lardner, Engagement Officer and Andrew Greenall, Sustainability Engagement Lead for helping to make the event run so smoothly. Thanks to funding from Midlands Net Zero Hub.