Northumberland County Council hosted a unique event at its Morpeth headquarters for pupils from several schools in the county to address environmental and climate change issues. 
 

High school and sixth form pupils from The Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick, The Blyth Academy, Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, King Edward VI School in Morpeth and Prudhoe Community High School came together for a day filled with presentations, talks, and workshops. 
 

The student-led ‘Northumberland Youth Voice on Climate Change’ conference provided a platform for insightful discussions on critical topics such as transport, energy provision, heating solutions, and environmental challenges. Participants collaborated in workshops and engaged in a Dragon’s Den style scenario, where they created and pitched tangible climate-related projects which they can begin to implement within their schools; fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among the students for the well-being of their local environment. 
 

The event not only enriched the students with a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing our planet and local area but also equipped them with invaluable transferable skills. Through activities such as presenting, debating, and negotiating, participants gained skills that will serve them well in their future careers. 
 

Glen Sanderson, Leader and Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating: " I always look forward to meeting and talking to young people. Often, they see things so much more clearly than those of us who are older do. And that is exactly as it should be because they are the future.  
 

“I want them to keep challenging us, that way we will make progress and will have a cleaner better world for their future. 
 

“I would like to say a big thank you to all involved for making this into a reality and look forward to seeing more innovative climate projects develop throughout our schools.” 
 

The Council has already set up the Northumberland Schools Sustainability Network (NSSN) in partnership with the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) to provide staff and students across the county with a virtual platform for sharing ideas and resources, facilitating collaboration and participation in local and national climate action initiatives. This has further been strengthened by the Council’s ‘Climate Change and Sustainability in Northumberland: Schools Resource Pack’ which is a tool to help school staff inspire students, alleviate climate anxiety and empower them to take action locally. 
 

The event supports the Council’s recent Environment Policy Statement which includes a commitment to raise awareness of environmental issues, provide advice and support, to maintain, protect and improve our environment and support the delivery of the county’s climate change targets. It is hoped that similar events will follow.