Camborne Students Take Climate Questions to No 10 Ahead of COP30

Published On: 11 November 2025Last Updated: 11 November 2025By CornishStuff

Sixth Form students from Camborne Science and International Academy (CSIA) have met Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband at 10 Downing Street to share their views on climate change ahead of COP30.

📷03/11/2025. London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband host a COP press conference for young people in 10 Downing Street ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30 in Brazil. Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street

Young voices at the heart of government

The students, part of the Athena Learning Trust, joined a youth press conference this month designed to give young people from across the UK the chance to discuss climate policy directly with government leaders.

Held in the run-up to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, the event focused on how the next generation can help drive forward the clean energy revolution. Topics included the economic opportunities of reaching net zero, the importance of sustainability in education and how Britain can lead global climate action.

Several of the Camborne students questioned Ed Miliband on subjects such as making commercial aviation more sustainable and which projects are most effective in reducing emissions to meet the 2030 goal of cutting greenhouse gases by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels.

“It gave me hope”

Student Hattie said the experience had given her confidence that young voices are being heard:

“To see the government listen to my concerns about our climate and take on board comments from our generation has given me hope in the run up to COP30 that promises will be met and plans will be made to address the issues most pressing for the younger people in our society. I loved getting to talk directly with the people who can solve the problems my generation worry about, Ed Miliband really seemed to listen to what I had to say and I was moved by his sincerity. It was such a great experience and privilege to represent Camborne Science and International Academy at 10 Downing Street.”

COP30 and curriculum change

COP30, the annual UN climate summit, brings together nations working to combat climate change. This year’s meeting is especially significant as it marks the halfway point to 2030, when countries are expected to have met their pledges under the Paris Agreement.

Key issues under discussion include protecting tropical forests, limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and reviewing progress made since COP29.

The visit also coincided with the publication of a new curriculum and assessment review by the Department for Education, marking the first major overhaul of the curriculum in more than a decade. The review includes proposals for students to learn more about climate change and sustainability as part of the core curriculum.

Pride in Camborne

Principal Emma Haase said:

“It was incredibly powerful to see our students standing at the heart of government, speaking up for their future. Their passion, insight and confidence in discussing climate issues with national leaders shows just how ready they are to help shape the world they will inherit. This experience will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer added:

“When I met with global leaders at the COP30 summit to represent our nation’s leadership for global climate change, in my mind’s eye were the brilliant students I met beforehand in Downing Street. Future generations will be most impacted by the decisions we make on clean energy and climate change, and now more than ever, we must invest in them. They are the future. They are the next generation who will benefit from not just the jobs and opportunities in clean energy, but from the steps we take in protecting our planet. This government will not let them down.”

About CSIA

Camborne Science and International Academy is rated Good for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management, and Outstanding for Sixth Form provision.

Located in Camborne, Cornwall, the academy provides a secure and supportive environment where students are encouraged to develop qualities such as self-confidence, leadership, determination, resilience, self-reliance and kindness.