Should COP29 be taught to pupils in Glasgow schools?

By Erin Smith

Photo by William Gibson on Unsplash

The British Council has earmarked Scottish schools with its Schools Connects Cop Climate Simulation.  

More than 100 pupils in Edinburgh aged 16-18 are playing the roles of leaders, lobbyists, and media to bring the experience to life for students and gain a clearer insight as to what it is like to take part in a worldwide conference.  

Scotland’s capital is the only city of five in the UK to be hosting this event. The others are Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast and London.  

Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash

Questions have been asked as to whether this event should be rolled out to other Scottish cities, such as Glasgow, as Cop26 was held there in 2021. 

Nathan Cadzow, of Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, believes that young people in Glasgow wouldn’t be able to relate to the topic as they won’t have much of an idea of what it’s about. 

He said: “When Cop26 was here, I didn’t know anything about what it was. Hosting the event in Glasgow would benefit kids as it would provide them with an opportunity to learn and give opinions about the topic properly. 

“I think, most of the country don’t really know much about it either.” 

Photo by Winston Tjia on Unsplash

On the other hand, Jack Daly, of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, said: “It wouldn’t benefit the students as they may view the event as a bit of fun, instead of an interactive learning experience.  

“I didn’t like school much so I would not be paying attention to learn anything from this experience.” 

David McKinney, Curriculum Head of Media at City of Glasgow College, said: “Students in Glasgow would greatly benefit from having the event brought to other cities in Scotland.” 

He believes because it took place in Glasgow that it should stay where it occurred.  

He added: “It would be good for young people to have a general knowledge of what COP is about. It would give them a sense of social responsibility and increase their awareness of the issue. 

“Having a knowledge of climate change is beneficial as it can be hidden in plain sight and is easily ignored.”