To mark the beginning of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26, Waverley Borough Council hosted climate action workshops for pupils and students from Broadwater School and Godalming College on Monday 1 November.
The sessions which took place at The Burys in Godalming were run by WhatNext?, a local organisation whose aim is to raise awareness of the climate and ecological emergency and to encourage residents to live more sustainably, consume responsibly and reduce their carbon footprint.
Around 45 pupils and students gathered to take part in a Climate Action Simulation Activity game which explored what actions can be taken to limit global warming to below 2C and as close to 1.5C as possible.
Councillor Steve Williams, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:
"As world leaders were gathering to discuss our climate emergency, I was very encouraged to see the enthusiasm and genuine interest these young people in Waverley have for action on climate change. Young people really understand the urgency of acting now to stem the effects of the climate crisis and as a council, we owe it to these young people and future generations to do our bit to stop carbon emissions. Waverley Borough Council has made a commitment to carbon-neutrality by 2030 and we hope that all residents, younger and older, will continue to support us in our efforts to achieve this."
Dr David Faraday, Chair of Trustees, What Next? added: "This is a great opportunity for What Next? to work with young people whose whole lives will be affected by the impacts of climate change. Our workshops give students a chance to experience the complexity of climate action negotiations and agree a possible strategy for limiting local warming to the Paris Agreement target of less than 2C and as close to 1.5C as possible. Whilst discovering that there are many possible scenarios for delivering success, it is also clear that action needs to be taken in a wide range of policy areas by individuals, businesses, industry and governments. If we have the ambition, and we can act quickly and decisively, a sustainable future is possible."
For further information on WhatNext? and their programmes, workshops and events, which are free to residents, visit the What Next? website.
You can find out further information on Waverley Borough Council's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan web page.