Young people have an essential role to play in our climate future. We designed and hosted a model climate conference to give Bristol sixth formers a space to make their voices heard.
In the autumn of 2021, as leaders from across the world arrived in Glasgow to attend COP26, we hosted our own Conference of Parties here in Bristol. Students from eleven schools gathered to experience the international politics of climate change, and find creative solutions to the environmental threats facing our world.
Taking on the roles of countries, companies and organisations, the students had to navigate competing interests and tackle complex negotiations in hope of finding common ground. Funded by the Cabot Institute for the Environment, our summit mirrored the real negotiations taking place in Glasgow, covering the same issues and challenges.
Have a look at our Climate Learning Insight report on the Mock COPs, published by the Cabot Institute for the Environment here.
As we face a looming crisis that the IPCC has called ‘code red for humanity’, we believe it is crucial for young people to have a say on the issues shaping their future. That’s why we are openly sharing our approach so that anyone can recreate the project. If you’re interested in planning your own Mock COP, feel free to access any of the resources we’ve created here (licensed under creative commons).
The students at our Bristol Mock COP26 did an incredible job, proving their ability to respond ambitiously and practically to our planet’s greatest challenges. Watch them in action here:
Young people around the world are passionate and engaged when it comes to climate issues. Our aim is to provide a forum for them to share their insights, and to sharpen their critical-thinking skills. Throughout the conference, the students must master the ‘art of the possible’, resolving conflicts and ultimately reaching a compromise. To succeed, they need to tackle problems with both creativity and pragmatism, and communicate their solutions in a persuasive way. These are skills that can be used throughout life, both in academic and non-academic spaces.
We hope that the students leave the conference with a deep understanding of international climate politics, confidence in debate and public speaking, and an even greater passion for environmental action.
How does Mock COP work?
Mock COP is an immersive experience designed to transport young people into the centre of global climate politics. The event involves 12 teams, representing countries, corporations, campaign groups and international institutions, each with their own unique interests and perspectives. To achieve their goals, they must strategically navigate meetings, forge alliances and ultimately build a consensus.
Over the course of a day, the students take a journey through international negotiations, the actors involved and the problems faced. The day is divided into four stages:
Round 1: Preliminary discussions – The teams discuss their priorities and plan their strategy. This is a chance to decide how they want to make their voice heard on the international stage.
Round 2: Delegation opening statement – The opening statement is an opportunity for the delegates to introduce themselves to the conference, and lay out their ambitions.
Round 3: Bilateral negotiations – The delegates enter formal meetings with other teams, where they must attempt to find areas of compromise and reach agreements.
Round 4: Multilateral negotiations – The negotiations end with a nail-biting ‘open floor’, where delegates rush around to try and broker last minute revisions, and secure a stable consensus.
The day concludes with a round of 7 votes, covering the key issues discussed in the real COP conference.
When we hosted our Mock COP26 in Bristol, the results were amazing. Throughout the day, the students set out their vision for a greener future. They imagined a world where ambitious net-zero targets were agreed upon, a safe future for climate refugees was secured, and the world’s natural ecosystems were safeguarded.
The Mock COP is a lesson in pragmatism; it is designed to show the complexity and difficulty of international politics. Even so, the results demonstrate huge optimism and hope for the future. If we continue to encourage engagement in young people, and provide spaces for their voices to be heard, we believe our future is in safe hands.
All the resources are available under creative commons.
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