While world leaders gathered for the official COP30 climate summit in Brazil, over 80 schoolchildren staged their own version of the international negotiations in Belfast Castle. The event, a “COP30 simulation,” saw students from 28 schools across Northern Ireland, including four pupils from Dundalk Grammar School in the Republic of Ireland, role-playing various stakeholders – country representatives, activists, lobbyists, and journalists.
This year’s iteration marked a significant milestone by bringing young people together from both sides of the Irish border for the first time. Students tackled critical issues facing the planet, negotiating international agreements focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, assisting developing nations, and adapting to climate change’s growing impacts. Blaithin (17) and Niamh (16), from St Catherine’s College Armagh, took on the pivotal roles of UN Secretaries General, tasked with guiding participants towards consensus.
The simulation included impassioned speeches, including one that was interrupted by a mock climate protest, highlighting the urgency and dynamism of youth engagement in this issue. Though thousands of miles away, COP30’s themes resonated deeply with these young participants.
“As a young person, knowing that we will face the impact of what’s going to happen in the future, it’s very relevant that we understand what is going on,” explained Blaithin. “We have to live the life that’s going to be controlled by what happens today.” Niamh believes greater social media engagement could amplify youth activism: “Social media is a big part of young people’s lives, so I feel if we took more to social media for climate action, it would really influence young people today.”
Jude (17) from Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle found the cross-community dialogue enlightening but stressed the need for greater corporate accountability. “It’s them who are doing the most damage, and they need to realize that if they keep killing the planet, they won’t have any more customers,” he said. He voiced concern that many people may only acknowledge climate change when its severe consequences directly impact them: “the average person will only realize we need to change when the floods come to their doors and the droughts dry out their water supplies.”
Lily-May (18), also from Shimna Integrated College, observed that while some peers share her passion for the environment, most remain indifferent. “I think people just don’t want to take the extra step or go the extra mile to be more environmentally friendly, even just by using a different bin.”
The event received enthusiastic endorsements from key figures. Colm McGivern, British Council Northern Ireland Director, praised the students’ grasp of complex climate arguments: “It’s really interesting to see how they’ve gripped the arguments and are getting into the detail, which is crucial if we’re to be able to persuade people about the importance of working against climate change.”
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister Andrew Muir expressed deep inspiration from their engagement. He noted a stark contrast with recent political gridlock in Northern Ireland, highlighting “collective will,” “hope,” and “positivity” as driving forces for his commitment to collaborating with young people on climate action. Kayla (18) from Coleraine Grammar School, representing the USA during the simulation, appreciated Minister Muir’s presence at the event as evidence of genuine commitment. She emphasized that while climate change is a global concern, it requires concrete action. “Coming here to the event, you realize how the daily things have an impact, how much countries aren’t doing about it, and how much they could be doing,” she said.
Kayla also underscored the importance of cross-governmental collaboration: “In Northern Ireland, not everyone agrees on everything, but the parties need to work together and with Westminster to designate who’s doing what in different parts of the UK.”
These student-led climate talks underscore a growing trend: young people increasingly demanding a louder voice in shaping environmental policy. This generation, facing the most profound implications of climate change, is showing both urgency and ingenuity in demanding solutions.
