Young people embrace climate action at Festival of Ideas

Children from across the city have taken part in a special event – organised by Derby City Council and backed by a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders – to explore climate action.

Held earlier this month to coincide with United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29, the Festival of Ideas event was aimed at pupils from the city’s primary and secondary schools.

It gave the young people the opportunity to experience a range of activities linked to climate action, green careers and opportunities across Derby relating to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths).

It was the latest in a series of events for young people held as part of the Derby Promise –  a pledge by Derby City Council and its partners to expand opportunities, raise aspirations and place a spotlight on the future world of work for the next generation.

It aims to provide meaningful opportunities for children, young people and adults, from primary school right through to further and adult education.

Among the Festival of Ideas partners was Rolls-Royce, the University of Derby, Vinci Developments, Derby College Group, Valliant Group and Circulayo.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, the city council’s cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “Climate action is clearly something our young people feel strongly about, and it was a real pleasure to be involved in the Festival of Ideas.

“Our primary children took part in hands-on activities to develop their grasp and understanding of concepts relevant to transforming their schools to meet the challenge of climate change and, for example, making changes to be more supportive to local wildlife in their area.

“When we spoke to the children, they were clearly armed with lots of ideas for their schools, but also what they could do in their own homes to meet the climate change challenge.

“They will go back to their schools more confident to lead the debate and transform ideas into positive change and action.

“The Festival of Ideas was just the beginning, and schools will receive ongoing resources and support to help them turn their climate action plans into reality.”