Wirral: Catholic school students call for urgent climate action at COP29 conference

HFCMAT COP29

Students from across Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT) gathered for the Trust's first-ever COP29 conference.

Across the Trust's seven schools, 18 children came together and spoke passionately about sustainability issues close to their hearts. The students were keen to spread the important message that we are all 'stewards of creation', as seen in the words of Pope Francis in his letter Laudato Si.

The event coincided with the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held between 11 - 22 November, where world leaders discuss environmental issues globally.

At the conference, student representatives from six of the Trust's schools discussed a topic with their peers, teachers, leaders, and other attendees.

Pupils from Our Lady of Pity Catholic Primary School, Greasby; St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, Runcorn; St Bernard's RC Primary and Nursery School, Ellesmere Port; and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Oxton participated in the event.

Pupils from two of the Trust's partner schools, Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, New Brighton and St Alban's Catholic Primary School, Wallasey, also participated in the event.

Throughout the day, pupils covered a range of topics including the catastrophic impact of plastic pollution, poetry for the planet, and the devastating impact of illegal poaching on wildlife.

Speaking confidently and passionately, pupils shared the harsh reality facing the planet if urgent action is not taken.

Students from one of the Trust's secondary schools, St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, spoke passionately about being stewards of creation. Gabriela Hyde, Logan Davies, and Olivia-Rose Davies, confidently shared staggered figures around CO2 emissions, deforestation and the polar ice caps before emphasising how important it is to nurture the planet.

St Mary's Catholic College students spoke confidently about the impact of global warming and shared how we can help combat climate change within our own communities.

Throughout the event, family members proudly watched as students shared their ideas for creating a more sustainable future for all.

The Trust welcomed Sean Dick, senior conservation education manager at Chester Zoo, who talked to the young people about COP29 and the importance of young people having a voice and agency.

Sean said: "It was fantastic to see so many young people speak passionately about climate change in an open forum and advocate for positive change.

"We have worked alongside Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust for several years on a number of projects that have helped students gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and how they can use their own voice and platform to champion change."

Emily Reid, creativity and sustainability lead at HFCMAT spoke about the event's success. She said: "We are so proud of our students at HFCMAT. Youth voices are the seeds of a sustainable future. When young people speak up, they inspire action and change for generations to come. Today they brought hope and as a trust, we will continue to provide a platform for them to have their voices heard."

LINK

Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust: www.hfcmat.com