Highland Council hosts the Open University in Scotland's Mock COP27 for north schools
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Seventy-five senior pupils from 11 secondary schools across the Scottish Highlands are taking part in a ‘Mock COP27’ organised by the Open University (OU).
The aim is to raise awareness and increase understanding in the climate conference that is currently underway in Egypt.
The event later today will help the young people contribute to the climate change debate and show them that their voice matters.
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, this year it will take place in-person event in the council chamber in Inverness.
Modelled on the UN Conference of the Parties (COP), the Mock COP27 will teach students to consider the outcomes for their country and the global impact of the decisions made. Each school will also have a student reporter.
Those schools now taking part are: 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.
Partnership manager at the OU and lead organiser of the event Gemma Burnside 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.”
The chairman of the council’s climate change committee, Cllr Karl Rosie 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."
Art for Action
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.
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.
