Steve Backshall empowers hundreds of students to take action at the Suffolk Youth Climate Conference

The Suffolk Youth Climate Conference was held at Suffolk One Sixth Form College and was organised by the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership. This annual event gives young people in Suffolk both the tools and knowledge to tackle our changing climate head on. Previous speakers have included Chris Packham, Megan McCubbin and Scarlett Westbrook.

This year, the keynote speech was delivered by naturalist and broadcaster, Steve Backshall, who shared powerful first-hand accounts of the impacts of climate change he’s witnessed around the world. His message was a compelling call to action, urging students to get involved and never underestimate the difference young people can make in tackling the nature and climate crises.

Amy Meek, co-founder of Kids Against Plastic and Jaz Brook, founder of Youth Climate Solutions, also inspired the attendees with their messages of urgency, hope and how when lots of us come together and take small, achievable actions we have the power to create impactful change.

Throughout the day, students took part in workshops where they discussed and delved into topics such as marine conservation, nature-based solutions, climate justice, sustainable food systems, plastic pollution, waste management, circular fashion, behaviour change campaigning and many more!

In the lead up to the conference, schools were encouraged to enter their plans to improve biodiversity on their grounds for a chance to win the money to make their projects happen. The winners were presented with their certificates at the conference. Their visions are being generously funded and brought to life by the conference sponsor, M Group Highways.

Students also had the chance to connect with representatives from 34 charities and organisations that work to improve the natural environment offering students a glimpse into a range of green careers.

Meanwhile, teachers attended dedicated workshops and training led by the Suffolk Schools Sustainability Network which explored place-based education and climate action planning, equipping them with tools to help embed sustainability into their schools and teaching.

Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group, said:

"Suffolk’s Public Sector Leaders are committed to creating a more environmentally sustainable future for Suffolk. We are actively working to make that future a reality through our Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan. But climate change is a big problem, one that cannot be solved overnight. Our Youth Climate Conference helps to equip future generations with the tools they need to carry our net zero mission forward."

Steve Backshall, Natural History TV Presenter, Adventurer, Public Speaker, Author and Conservationist, said:

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many young people in Suffolk stepping up for the planet. The Suffolk Youth Climate Conference shows the power of youth when they’re given the tools, the knowledge, and most importantly the voice to shape their future. Events like this don’t just inform, they ignite action and I’m proud to stand alongside these future leaders.”

Emma Dixon, Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Manager, said:

“The Suffolk Youth Climate Conference empowers young people in Suffolk to join us in the fight against climate change. The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders welcome any opportunity to bring communities together to exchange knowledge and tools as we work together to reduce Suffolk’s carbon emissions and protect the natural environment. All students in attendance leave with the tools and confidence to express their views and concerns about climate change.”

Ryan Graver, Geography Teacher at Northgate High School, said:

"The day was invaluable for the Northgate students. To be able to build on their climate change knowledge in the professional and collaborative setting that the conference offered was a fantastic opportunity. Beyond the knowledge gained, the talks by Amy Meek from Kids Against Plastic, and Steve Backshall were so inspiring, motivating students to be change makers and contributors to climate change solutions."

Andrew Adamson, Group Deputy Principal of One Sixth Form College and Eastern Education Group, said:

"One Sixth Form and Eastern Education Group are committed to sustainability and are determined to take on the many environmental challenges that exist in our society. We want to become the greenest college group in the country by aligning ourselves and our students to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, whilst also fostering sustainable practices and highlighting career opportunities in the growing green skills sector. Therefore, it was our pleasure to host this important event that aims to inspire the next generation of young people to bring about change via a commitment to sustainability."