14th June, 2021

Our Climate Our Future: Schools Action Pack launched for COP26

What is COP26? 

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties is known as COP26. There are around 200 countries that are ‘parties’, which means they are part of an agreement to tackle climate change together. They have agreed to take actions to cut greenhouse gases, and to help each other to adapt to climate change.

COP26 will take place in Glasgow in Scotland from 1 – 12 November 2021.

Why is it important? 

Every COP is important, as this is where countries come together to make agreements on how they can all work together to slow down the effects of climate change, and support those who are most affected by it. This year is even more so. As countries begin to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, there is an opportunity to build back better and make sure that efforts for recovery also focus on the environment.

Many lives have been badly devastated by the pandemic. People around the world lack secure, sustainable livelihoods to enable them to withstand crises and shocks. At COP26, it is hoped that the countries attending will ensure that they will also focus on the importance of environmental protection and how this is just as crucial for ensuring sustainable livelihoods for people around the world.

COP26 for schools 

This historic moment is happening right here in the UK. This provides an unique opportunity for schools to witness, understand and engage with the usually remote global political systems that will affect all of our futures.

Your school can take action to help in the fight against climate change right now. We at the Fairtrade Foundation have come together with many other organisations across the UK to produce a fantastic pack of learning resources to support your school to get involved with COP26.

The full pack will be available by 1st September 2021, and includes contributions from WWF, The Climate Coalition, Oxfam, Global Action Plan, Christian Aid, Soil Association, Ashden, Young Climate Warriors, ZSL, Let’s Go Zero and InterClimate Network.

This is a moment when we need to come together for our planet in order to ensure a positive future for the next generation, and this is reflected by the wide range of organisations involved in bringing this offer for schools to life.

Access resources as they are released here: www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/twinkl-partnerships/cop26

What to expect 

Included within this pack are all the resources you will need to introduce the significance of climate change, COP26 and the role of schools in shaping the future, with age-appropriate resources provided for different age groups from 7-16.

1. COP 26 Teacher Guide: This guidance document outlines ways in which schools can play their part in helping to educate children about the dangers of climate change and global warming.
2. COP26 Presentation: This is a detailed multimedia PowerPoint walkthrough of COP26 for assemblies, classroom presentations or events to give students a significant understanding of the where, when, who, what and why of COP26.
3. Mini Climate Summit Toolkit (coming soon): The pack will contain a wealth of fact sheets and discussion cards alongside a step-by-step facilitator guide to support a versatile mini climate summit activity. Students will get to grips with a range of key global issues and hear varied local perspectives on climate change, and then collaborate on a plan of action for the world to achieve a positive future in balance with nature.
4. Promise To The Planet Workshop (coming soon): Through guided personal reflection and group discussion, students and staff are supported to apply their new understanding of climate change and the aims of COP to their own lives, school and community. Students identify actions they can take in their own lives, and contribute to a School #PromiseTothePlanet.
5. Video Library (coming soon): Designed to support independent research and to enrich classroom presentations and activities,  this selection of bite-sized videos will bring students face-to-face with UN negotiators, climate witnesses and science experts, bringing to life COP and the issues it seeks to address.
6. Educator and Youth Leader Guidance (coming soon): We know that climate change and international politics are both challenging topics to cover with young people. This pack will provide educators, youth leaders and parents with information and advice to help them tackle these complex subjects with confidence. Guidance includes considerations around eco-anxiety, and the links between climate and human rights, inclusion and social justice.