One Sixth Form College hosted the Suffolk Youth Climate Conference today. Steve Backshall (BBC wildlife presenter) and Amy Deeks (co-founder of Kids Against Plastic) spoke to around 250 students aged 15-16 from ten Suffolk schools – discussing climate change and how they can make a difference.
One Sixth Form College sustainability ambassadors helped with the planning on the day.
Speaking to the BBC, Steve Backshall said: “If you hear a politician or public figure trying to throw shade on the simple facts of climate change do not listen to another word they say in public ever again… it is happening.
“It’s critical that someone in position recognises that climate anxiety is a real thing… especially for young people there is nothing that takes away your impetus to act, than just a sense it’s all screwed and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“People need to be empowered. They need to have a sense that they are important and the things they do can make a difference.”
Andrew Adamson is the Group Deputy Principal for One Sixth Form College and Eastern Education Group. “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,” he said. “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 commit to bringing about change via a commitment to sustainability.”
