Change The Debate – Schools Climate Conference

Change The Debate – Schools Climate Conference

Wednesday 3^rd July, 2019

UCL, Christopher Ingold Building, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ

#changethedebate

‘The most important thing you can do to fight climate change is talk about it.’
Professor Katherine Hayhoe

Climate breakdown is the greatest fight in human history and the effects will be felt for millions of years. 1.4 million young people have been on strike around the world this year and the Mayor of London has declared a climate emergency. How do we talk about climate breakdown and use our voices for change?

Young people have demonstrated their power to change the debate. This conference, held at UCL, is designed to provide rigorous knowledge, skills and motivation to allow young people to change the debate in their schools and local communities. Green Schools Project, School 21, and WE will bring together 200 young people aged 9-17 from 10 schools, academics, climate scientists and politicians to discuss what is required from the education sector to respond to the climate crisis.

The day will feature experts in climate change, the social psychology of climate change, and those who are already making a difference. Students will come out with new skills and knowledge to communicate about climate change. They will create action plans for showing leadership in their schools and communities to change the debate, and develop ideas for what an appropriate response to being in a climate and ecological emergency means for schools.

It will take place at UCL who are providing a lecture theatre and rooms for workshops. We will have high profile speakers and students that are organising the school climate strikes to give their perspective on what is required and how young people can take a lead in responding to the crisis.

Outline of the day:

10.15: Arrival and Registration

10.30: Welcome and introduction

10.40: Opening speakers – The truth about the climate and ecological crisis

11.30: Break

11.50: Workshop 1 – How to communicate about climate change

12.40: Workshop 2 – Taking action in your school and community

1.30: Lunch

2.10: Final speakers and panel

Sharing pledges of action

3.00 End

If you would like to bring a group of students to the conference please complete this form.

If you have any questions about the conference please contact Henry Greenwood: henry@greenschoolsproject.org.uk