School children are taking part in an event aimed at inspiring climate action, coinciding with the COP31 international climate conference in Turkey. Hosted at the Kingston Maurwood campus, the first Dorset-wide Youth COP has brought children from 14 schools together to discuss issues including future careers.
Youth Voice and Green Careers
The Dorset Youth COP event includes discussions about how young people feel about climate change alongside a panel session introducing them to the range of jobs and careers in the climate and energy sectors.
Maria Clarke, of Dorset Local Nature Partnership, said young people should be given a voice over dealing with climate change. “Young people are inheriting the climate and ecological emergencies that previous generations have created and need to be given a voice in jointly developing and implementing the solutions to these issues,” Clarke stated.
She added that the Youth COP aims to raise awareness, inspire, and support them to take action now and into the future.
Dorset COP 2026 Main Event
The main Dorset COP 2026 event takes place on Saturday at the Kingston Maurward Campus near Dorchester, running concurrently with world leaders and delegates gathering at Antalya in Turkey for the COP31 climate summit.
The fourth annual event brings together community groups, environmental organisations, experts, and political leaders. The programme explores how Dorset can respond to climate change, nature loss, food resilience, pollution, and other environmental challenges.
The schedule also features an exhibition of over 30 local organisations and a Question Time-style panel bringing together Dorset MPs, council leaders, and independent climate experts.
Giles Watts, chair of Dorset CAN, said the event’s focus was on making a lasting positive impact on climate and nature in local areas. “We want to bring people together, listen to different perspectives and energise local communities and politicians to act more quickly on the pressing challenges we face,” Watts explained.
