Students gather for Dorset Youth COP event to discuss climate action

School children from 14 different schools are participating in the first Dorset-wide Youth COP event hosted at the Kingston Maurwood campus. The gathering coincides with the COP31 international climate conference taking place in Turkey and aims to inspire climate action among young people. The event includes discussions about students' feelings regarding climate change and features a panel session introducing them to careers in the climate and energy sectors. Organizers emphasize that young people are inheriting ecological challenges created by previous generations and need to be given a voice in developing solutions. Additionally, a main Dorset COP 2026 event is scheduled to take place at the same campus, bringing together community groups, environmental organizations, experts, and political leaders. This broader annual event will explore responses to environmental challenges such as nature loss, food resilience, and pollution through exhibitions and panel discussions.