Key details
Date
- 4 December 2024
Author
- RCA
Read time
- 1 minute
Students from local schools stepped into the roles of global leaders at a dynamic youth climate summit organised by Wandsworth Council and InterClimate Network (ICN) on 22 November 2024, coinciding with the conclusion of the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event was coordinated by Wandsworth Council's Climate Team and run by the InterClimate Network and took place in the RCA's Hangar in Battersea.
Teams of secondary school students represented a diverse range of nations, from the Marshall Islands to India and the United States, tackling the urgent need for increased climate action and funding in a UN-style global negotiation. The groups were tasked with preparing opening speeches to represent their country's views, address key questions and collaborate with others.
The pupils participated in a 'Climate Question Time' featuring Andrew Hagger, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability at Richmond and Wandsworth Council; Jason Andrews, Team Manager for Pollution – Air Quality and Contaminated Land at Merton Council; Councillor Gasser, Cabinet Lead for Environment at Wandsworth Council; and Michaela Neto, Senior Manager for Climate & Nature at Burberry.
They also heard from the RCA's Sustainability Manager, Megan Jones, and met with a range of local organisations in the Climate Action Fayre during the afternoon, including Emily Boxall from Ecological Citizens.
The event highlighted the urgent need to address climate change as well as encouraging young people to explore green careers and envision their role in building a sustainable future.
Hannah Lambert, Royal College of Art's Community Engagement Manager said: "As a leading institution for innovation and creativity, the RCA was delighted to host this youth-led local event. It's so important to empower and support the next generation of thinkers and change-makers to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time."