Sixth Form attend Climate Conference events during COP30
This month saw the COP30 Climate Conference taking place in Brazil. COP30 is a major global meeting where countries try to agree on how to limit global warming, cut greenhouse-gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and support vulnerable nations — a key moment in shaping international climate policy.
Earlier this month, over 20 Year 12 and Year 13 students took part in two mock COP events with other local secondary schools. Both events were hosted by the Interclimate Network.
The 2025 Reading Schools’ Climate Conference took place at the Civic Offices Council Chamber, coinciding with Youth Day at COP30.
The event aimed to elevate both planetary and community stewardship, focusing on forests, oceans, and biodiversity, while also spotlighting Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, children and young people, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The day highlighted inclusive, grounded, and nature-aligned solutions to the climate crisis.
Little Heath students, alongside peers from seven other local secondary schools, attended to demonstrate their passion for the environment and tackling climate change. The Mayor of Reading, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, opened the conference and welcomed students into the heart of local decision-making. Our students then presented to the panel and students from the other schools what wonderful initiatives are taking place here at the heart of Little Heath School and made us all very proud.
Our students engaged in debates and negotiations before taking part in a Climate Question Time with invited guests. Sixteen developed and developing nations were represented, with Little Heath students acting as delegates for Chile and India.
Three teams made up of our Year 12 Politics students, also attended the event at Holme Grange School in Wokingham – who have recently achieved an ISA Award for Excellence in Sustainability. There were seven other schools in attendance, including visiting students from a school in Japan who were representing the UK.
Our teams represented the USA, UAE and the Marshall Islands. There was hot debate between all the teams, leading to a very awkward drive back to school!
We left both conference events more informed, inspired, and empowered to make positive changes — acting locally within our school and community while thinking globally. The day reinforced that addressing the Climate Emergency is everybody’s responsibility.