In the Jubilee Year2025, young people from across the archdiocese are having their voices heard. Guided by Pope Francis’ call to action in the encyclicals Laudato Si and Laudate Deum and the leadership of Pope Leo IV, young people came together to share their voices at two Mock UN Climate Conferences in November.

Carmel College and 22 secondary schools from across the archdiocese came together to tackle climate change through a series of collaborative conferences. These conferences helped initiate action campaigns to reduce carbon footprints and support behaviour change in both schools and local communities.

Liverpool World Centre charity facilitated a mock UN style Climate Conference to coincide with COP30 in Brazil. Working together, young people took part in a challenging debate. The pupils represented different countries in the UN all facing the challenge of the climate emergency. Teams debated the impact of climate emissions and what needs to be done to mitigate and adapt to the challenges ahead.  As part of the event, students participated in various workshops; developing their schools’ climate action plan; sustainable clothing; Royal Horticultural Society workshop; mapping biodiversity on schoolgrounds and solving environmental issues.

The two events were generously hosted by St Margaret Clitherow Centre and Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows. The Archdiocesan Education Department supported and helped coordinate the events. Archbishop Sherrington attended and supported the event at Hope Academy and opened the conference with a thought-provoking address and prayer from Laudato Si.

This was a great opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking skills around the climate emergency. It provided an opportunity for them to debate in the style of a UN conference, develop empathy and learn skills around negotiation and collaboration. This event was one way that schools can empower their young students to have a voice and feel that they can make changes in their school community to make a difference around the climate emergency.

Some comments from the pupil delegates:

“I have learnt today how the countries of the world are attempting to reduce climate change. This has given me hope for the earth and my own future. I have also learnt how I can make a difference individually and in my community.”

Lexie (Holy Cross Catholic High School)

“I now have a much deeper understanding of what is happening to our planet and how even young people like me can take part in attempting to stop climate change.”

Evie (Maricourt Catholic High School)

“An educational and immersive experience, giving me an insight into how world leaders deal with climate change.”

Oliver (St John Fisher Catholic High School)

“I learned how different countries are affected by climate change and how they fight against it.”

Jack (St Bede’s Catholic High School)

“I have gained experience with public speaking and connecting with students from other schools. It is good that important issues are being raised with the youth.”

Stephanie (St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School)

“It was great to attend and was well thought out, helping me to develop a deeper understanding of the issues around climate change.”

Gracie (St Mary’s Catholic High School Astley)

“Today was fun yet informative. The debate segment was my favourite as I enjoyed the questioning and arguments.”

Michael (Holy Family Catholic High School)

“We have learnt how different countries have and are adapting to help climate change and simple ways we can help at home and school, such as recycling old materials.”

Jaya and Brooke (Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School)

“When I was walking into this, I didn’t realise the intensity of climate change. Today I’ve learnt a lot about climate change, sustainability and more.  TheCOP30 event has opened my eyes and informed me on the consequences of climate change. I thoroughly enjoyed it”!

Sienna (St John Bosco Arts College)

“I enjoyed today’s activities as I learned about our earth and how we can help stop climate change by working together”.

Oscar (Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School)

“I now have a much deeper understanding of what is happening to our planet and how even young people like me can take part in attempting to stop climate change.”

Evie (Maricourt Catholic High School)

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