Before politicians arrive in Dubai on Thursday to address the ongoing climate crisis, the next generation of leaders held their own summit in Inverness.
Organised by the Open University, Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highlands (DYWICH) and Highland One World Global Learning Centre, Mock COP28 gave students across the north an opportunity to try their hand at solving some of the most pressing issues that contribute to the climate crisis.
The third annual Mock COP convention was hosted by the Highland Council on Monday and brought together students from 12 secondary schools across Highland and Moray.
Students took on the role of world leaders representing many of the nations, corporations and institutions that are part of the problems – and potential solutions – driving the ongoing climate crisis.
Thorough debate, bargaining and voting on resolutions, students worked to craft a plan to combat climate change.
In addition to the official delegations, a group from Speyside High School slipped into the event and (to their classmates' surprise) staged a series of protests to try and influence the debate.
After the event, one student suggested that a room full of teenagers had just held an open debate with more respect and consideration than many adult decision-makers.
Gemma Burnside, Partnership Manager at the Open University and lead organiser, said that comment points to the purpose of events like Mock COP28.
"I hope this made them feel like they can take the lessons from Mock COP28 forward and have these types of conversations elsewhere.
“We found that this year's students were incredibly well-prepared. They really embraced the idea of the event as a space where they could be brave and talk about these issues.
"They approached questions about financing the fight against climate change and also had conversations about how people are represented.
"We had some really interesting discussions around the language that is used to describe different countries around the world and the difficulties in trying to describe challenges accurately."
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The first Mock COP was held virtually in 2021, before moving to an in-person event held in the Highland Council chambers.
Catriona Willis, Coordinator at Highland One World, said events like Mock COP28 aren't about token participation for students.
For them, it's serious business.
"Young people are understandably concerned about the climate emergency and what this means for their future. It’s crucial that we equip children and young people with the skills and opportunities they need to participate in important decisions that affect their lives.
Sandra McCaughey, Interim Programme Manager for DYWICH, said that Mock COP28 isn't just about preparing students who might want to take on leadership roles.
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It's also about creating a more sustainable future by highlighting careers in the growing green sector, many of which are available at home in the north.
"With demand for green jobs and skills expected to increase rapidly over the next few years, due to policy, legislative changes and consumer choice, we feel it’s important that we provide opportunities for our young people across the Highland region to take part in the climate change debate, share their voice and help shape the future.
“Taking part in an event like this also allows pupils to gain real-world work experience and valuable skills in communication, debating and teamwork.”
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