Climate Change Congerence - Gravesham Youth Symposium

On Tuesday 7th November, 10 Year 12 students attended a climate change conference run by GYG (Gifted Young Gravesham), held in the Woodville Halls. The event centred around making the attending students more informed on the matter whilst allowing them to attain a variety of views from many significant people. It was rather formal with the students receiving wristbands upon entry and being sat down at a dressed table before being invited to the buffet of curry and other side dishes. After this, the students were made aware of the resources available to them including a green sheet allowing them to express their views. As it turned out these views have now been compiled and are being taken to COP28 in Dubai.

The first speaker was Lord Deben who spoke about his significant views, he spoke with passion and urged everyone in the room to go and speak to our local MP, Adam Holloway, about urgent action. He gave some rather frightening facts including that if we continue the way we are going, by the time we’re 70 the world could potentially be uninhabitable. He was rather controversially questioned, but some of his most informative responses included his opinions on how he would resolve the problem whilst preventing protest causing major disruption.

Lord Deben was applauded and quickly followed up by Sir John Armitage, who took an engineer's approach on the topic. It was good for the students as it allowed them to hear both sides of the argument. Sir John Armitage spoke more about the how factor rather than what. He brought a realist attitude and recognised the difficulties; however he most definitely did not suggest that it’s impossible. He spoke to us about carbon capture and gave us an in-depth explanation of where the carbon Dioxide goes after capture, which is often a vague topic. Additionally, he spoke about sustainability and other opportunities for the future whilst suggesting the rather frightening numbers, including the fact that we need to triple our renewable energy output in order to become carbon neutral! He was questioned on his opinions and he gave well thought out answers allowing the students to develop their knowledge and opinions.

After a short break, we then had a section speaking to members of companies about their policies and what they do to help climate change. Kensa Group spoke to us about their ground-source heat pumps, a long-term solution which has already been implemented in Northfleet; however he spoke about the short term disruption and the fact of the matter was the cost was extortionate. They spoke about resistance due to the need to dig up previous gas pipes which linked nicely into the previous speeches from both Lord Deben and Sir John Armitage. The Berkeley Group also spoke to us about their projects and their sustainable methods. The most interesting part of this was the questioning about how they’re getting the younger generation involved and they gave an insight into their apprenticeship options, a potential route for many students who may want to get involved in this area.

Overall, it was a very insightful afternoon out of school, and helped the students to develop their understanding. It enhanced and opened the minds of the Geography and Politics students and made clear the importance of change. I would like to end with the fact that in just under 60 years the world could be uninhabitable if we don’t change as a point to think about. It startled the students when they heard it and I hope it might get you thinking as well, and bring forward a sudden realisation.

Max Ellis 12JLW