Pupils’ ‘unforgettable’ COP26 experiences
Three McLaren High School pupils were involved in the recent COP26.
Aidan Cronin met United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland when she visited the National Park, Catriona Manders had the opportunity to speak at COP26 in the Blue Zone while Fiona Cantlay was part of the RCS Symphony Orchestra playing at the Vital Signs of the Planet concert.
“Having the opportunity as a member of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Youth Committee, to share the role of young people in our national park and how we can be involved in co-designing solutions to climate change with Secretary Haaland and her team, was an honour,” said Aidan.
“The afternoon was also an opportunity to share my passion for the role of young people globally, conserving protected areas for our futures. COP26 was an exciting time, and it was a privilege to play a small role during it.”
Catriona spoke about the National Park’s work with young people and also signed the joint statement on the role of protected areas in climate and biodiversity areas.
“It was an experience I’ll never forget, and very possibly one that I’ll never get the privilege to have again,” said Catriona.
“The narrative just now is that COP26 was a failure, and while I can understand frustration, what I saw in the Blue Zone simply couldn’t be put in a negative light.
“Everywhere I looked, there were people from seemingly infinite different cultures engaging in conversation about the climate and connecting with one another - I was in a trance as I wandered around each country’s pavilion and it was truly an honour to attend.“
The Vital Signs of the Planet concert was the largest concert during COP26 and took place in the Royal Concert Hall.
Fiona said: “It was a privilege to perform with the RCS Symphony Orchestra, accompanying stars like Natasha Bedingfield with commentary from those that had addressed the COP26 Opening Ceremony on such an important matter. Playing in this fantastic concert was an amazing experience and was warmly received with a standing ovation.”
It was an experience I’ll never forget, and very possibly one that I’ll never get the privilege to have again