Leaders of tomorrow discuss climate action at Bury’s School Climate Conference

A Schools Climate Conference brought together dozens of Bury children to discuss climate action and be inspired to develop their own projects.

Pupils from Year 4 to Year 9 will use what they learned to create campaigns in their own schools and local communities to encourage action and reduce their environmental impacts.

The event was held at The Met in Bury town centre on Wednesday and was attended by seven local schools: Parrenthorn High, Woodbank Primary, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, St Joseph’s RC Primary, Millwood Primary, Hazelhurst Primary, and Radcliffe Hall CE Primary.

They were joined by City of Trees, Box Clever Theatre on behalf of TfGM, Recycle 4 Greater Manchester, and Electricity North West, who taught the students about active travel to school, identifying trees in Bury, the importance of recycling, and where we get the energy to power our homes and schools.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “When the country has just been given its very first Red alert for hot weather, we really need everyone to get onboard with climate action and we cannot ignore the voices of tomorrow’s generation.

“According to surveys, nearly 60% of children are ‘worried’ or ‘very worried’ about climate change. We need to do more and work with them to ensure we are doing all we can to create a better future for them as well as encouraging them to get involved.

“Children are best placed to encourage change at home by talking with their parents and teachers. As we saw at the conference, these children are very eloquent and know exactly what is going on and are very convincing and determined to see change. We need to enable them and give them the space to encourage change.”

Schools are invited to get involved in these initiatives if they are looking to kickstart any projects around climate action, energy efficiency, biodiversity or waste reduction. 

Carrie Howcroft, from Woodbank Primary School, said the children had a wonderful time at the conference.

“Our children received a ‘values’ award in school for their contributions to the conference and how they represented the school and our Eco Club so well, she said. “We found all the other children and staff very friendly as well and really enjoyed the day.

“Highlights were the interactive sessions such as recycling sorting, City of Trees and Box Clever Theatre. I am going to be in touch with City of Trees as our school will celebrate its 50th anniversary in September and we would love them to support us planting trees in the grounds. All our classes have tree-themed names so this is perfect!”