On Wednesday 17th November Year 8 and 9 attended the inaugural Emanuel Climate Conference. Pupils from the sixth form and lower school spoke about a variety of matters to highlight elements of the climate crisis and what we can do to combat it.
The presentations covered a review of COP26, the perils of fast fashion, how to eat sustainably, carbon sequestration, waste management, the impacts upon marine environments and tips on how to have a sustainable Christmas. We also heard from a parent who had attended COP26 who reflected on his hopes and ambitions for positive change to bring a brighter future.
The conference ended with pupils making a pledge to make a difference. The most popular pledges were to follow meat free Monday, research and consider using a carbon offsetting scheme, avoid buying from shops that follow fast fashion and eschew the use of single use plastics. We will follow up with pupils later in the school year to see how they are progressing with their pledges.
In the lead up to the conference pupils across the school have been receiving daily eco updates on COP26 and to help inform on how to make a positive difference. This has tied in well with Wasteless Week where the pupils have been rewarded if they waste no food at lunch time. We look forward to welcoming OE Mark Miodownik on 30th November for a Goddard Lecture on “Animate Materials – A Sustainable Future ”.
Mr Turner (Deputy Head)