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Year 12 at Mock COP Summit

A group of enthusiastic Year 12 students recently attended a mock COP summit at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff.

Each student was assigned a country to represent in negotiations aimed at limiting the increase in global temperature to 1.5-2 degrees. Students gained valuable debating, negotiating and analytical thinking skills by conversing with 'delegates' from various developed and developing nations. During breaks, they heard from the head of the British Council about youth voice programmes across the UK and met a UN team member fresh from COP30 in Brazil, who shared insights from real diplomatic negotiations.

Students also learnt about climate threats, including melting ice caps and changing weather patterns. They used C-ROADS computer software to see the realistic impact their proposed policies would have on Earth's surface temperature by 2100. When formulating policies, delegates considered budgets, international impacts, national responsibility and reciprocal benefits.

This event enabled students to become more informed about international relations and the challenges of combating global crises. The knowledge and skills gained will undoubtedly influence their future thinking, helping them see themselves as global citizens within a wider community.