In the morning, we listened to an opening speech from the Mayor of Reading and her thoughts on climate change in relation to Reading. Then the conference began with each delegate introducing themselves. After that, we moved onto a UN-style debate and talked about progress since the Paris Agreement, an international treaty adopted at COP21 held in Paris in 2015. It was incredibly interesting to actually discuss real issues that will affect us (the younger generation) in the future, and tracking our progress to limit climate change.  It was also quite shocking.

We then had a short break, after which we had to discuss our ambitions, actions, and resolutions for the future. We first came up with resolutions for our own countries and then all delegates were split into four groups: one group talked about things that could be done in cities, while other groups focused on what could be done in the following areas to address climate change issues: energy, forests, food and oceans. Each group decided on actions related to their group.  For example, the UK and EU decided to fund $20 billion to Nigeria and Bangladesh, which would include materials to help build energy-efficient homes and cities and also provide technical assistance. Each group then shared their final ideas with the other groups.

In the afternoon, we focused on eco-friendly activities that we do in school. Kendrick delegates shared information about our second-hand uniform shop and our thrift shop which took place as part of Fringe Fortnight. Other schools talked about the school gardens they had. We were then asked to brainstorm more ideas we could implement in our own schools. Kendrick delegates talked about the garden we have outside F2, and how we could take inspiration from other schools and perhaps start a gardening club. Many other schools took inspiration from us and mentioned how they liked the idea of a thrift shop, especially with the relevancy of thrift shops in the media now.

During planning and right before the conference, we were nervous about how it would go.  However, we soon realised that Mrs. Wheeler had prepared us very well with the information we needed. We also found that time just sped by during the actual debate, and we would have really wanted it to last longer.

This was an incredible experience and my favourite school trip. I am so happy and so grateful I was able to attend and would definitely want to go again.

By Siddhi and Zoya – Year 11