SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Leeds quizzed their local MP, who also serves as the UK’s Climate Minister, on the future of the planet at a major eco-conference bringing together young people, teachers and climate experts.
Pupils from Featherbank Primary School, Prince Henry’s Grammar School and Woodhouse Grove School joined others from across the city for the event at Leeds Civic Hall, organised by Global Learning Leeds, focused on how schools can take practical action on climate change.
The day saw primary-aged pupils deliver a powerful message directly to Leeds North West MP and Climate Minister Katie White, sharing their concerns about everything from food waste and protecting local nature to the global inequalities of climate change, with the poorest countries facing the greatest impacts.
During a Q&A session, young people asked how they and their schools could get more involved. Katie highlighted opportunities for youth engagement and encouraged pupils to keep pushing for change in their communities.
Katie White MP, Minister for Climate, said: “It was brilliant to hear from the young people today. They were talking about things they see every day, like food waste and protecting local nature, but also how climate change is affecting people around the world.
“They don’t want to sit on the sidelines, they want to be part of the solution. That’s exactly what we need, and it’s on all of us to make sure their voices are heard.”
The conference brought together schools from across Leeds to share ideas, learn from climate specialists, and connect with organisations offering support for climate education.
Workshops throughout the day focused on practical ways schools can take action, from reducing waste to protecting biodiversity, while also encouraging collaboration between schools to support Leeds’ Child Friendly City ambition, particularly the goal that “everyone takes more action to protect the environment from climate change”.
The event also featured contributions from Leeds City Council, University of Leeds academics, and local climate leaders, alongside creative performances from pupils, including music and poetry exploring climate grief, hope and action.
From interactive workshops to student-led discussions, the conference aimed to inspire the next generation of climate leaders, while giving them practical tools to take action both in school and beyond.
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