Now in its 10th year, the B&NES Youth Climate Summit took place on 5 February at King Edward’s School. 

100 attendees from aged 14 upwards attended the Summit to discuss global environmental issues.  The one-day event included opportunities to hear from some inspirational key note speakers, attend practical workshops and take part in creative sessions to share ideas and inspire young people to work towards a more sustainable future.  Attendees included pupils from KES, Kingswood, Norton Hill, Ralph Allen and St Laurence Schools.

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Speakers at last year's event included:

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John O'Malley - Orangutan UK

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Jennifer Best - Founder of Poco, a sustainable restaurant in Bristol

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Michelle Cassar - Creative Director at City to Sea

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Ned Garnett - Director of Research at the Natural Environment Research Council

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Traci Lewis - Director of Catalyse Change CIC, a Bristol-based social enterprise supporting young women to develop sustainability skills

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George Clark - Marine Stewardship Council

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Sarah Compton - The Soil Association

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John Butler - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

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Ella Hogg - Sustrans

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Andy Hughes - Environmental photographer and artist

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Stephen Moss - Naturalist, Author and TV Producer

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Rachel Berger - Climate Friendly Bradford-on-Avon

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James Barwick - Wyke Farm

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Commenting on the Summit, committee member, Charlotte Ghali (aged 18), said:  “Some of the environmental issues we face include the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans and so marine ecosystems, and also the degradation of important carbon stores such as peatlands and rainforests which help to offset carbon emissions. Hopefully, the Climate Summit inspired people to make positive changes to help the environment."

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