The power of youth climate action

Last week, with COP30 under way in Brazil, we were delighted to take part in an event closer to home, a schools’ model COP-style day of debate at Birmingham City Council. This inspiring event, held on 12 November, was hosted by InterClimate Network and brought together students from Selly Park Girls’ School, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Bordesley Green Girls’ School and Sixth Form, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls and others.

Our Community & Education Development Manager, Danielle Parker was sat on the panel. "We were reminded just how sharp, courageous and solutions-focused young people are when given the space to question, challenge and lead" she said.

"Their questions weren’t just informed — they were bold, holding adults and elected representatives to account and pushing for practical steps schools and communities can take right now. It's so important for young people to be heard and have opportunities to hold us to account."

Across the afternoon, conversations ranged from cleaner school runs to using real data to identify air-quality hotspots and track progress. What stood out most was the energy in the room: students weren’t content with ideas for the future — they wanted to know what works today, in schools like theirs, and how to turn climate ambition into real results.

ABOVE: Danielle Parker (right) amongst other panel members in Birmingham City Hall. Photo credit Owen Gardner/ EarthSense

At Solar for Schools, it is that determination that drives us. It's why education sits at the heart of everything we do.

When young people understand the impact of energy use, see the carbon reductions their schools can make and get involved in real-world projects like solar, climate action becomes not just tangible but empowering.

Events like this show the real power of collaboration. Huge thanks to David Evans for the invitation, to InterClimate Network for creating such a dynamic platform for youth leadership and to the Birmingham City Council team for hosting in their grand city hall. All parties are helping to unlock action by providing support to schools on their climate journeys.

Danielle concluded; "We left feeling energised, optimistic and more convinced than ever that when students are given evidence, agency and a chance to lead, they drive meaningful change — in their schools, communities, and far beyond"