“250 Possible Gretas”: The 2025 Suffolk Youth Climate Conference.

On the 2nd of July 2025, the atrium of Suffolk One Sixth Form College buzzed with energy as over two hundred students from across the county arrived for a day that promised more than just lessons but a chance to debate, connect and take action.

The Suffolk Youth Climate Conference, organised by the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership with sponsorship support from M-group Highways, brought together engaged young people, educators, environmental campaigners, and active changemakers to tackle and discuss one of the most urgent issues of our time: climate change. With a packed agenda of workshops, talks, and networking, the event empowered students not just to learn but to lead.

news

“It Is Happening”: Steve Backshall’s Call to Action

The day opened with a keynote from Steve Backshall, naturalist, adventurer, and TV presenter. Speaking with urgency and passion, he did not hold back on highlighting the problem of misinformation and the importance of peer reviewed science, not only when speaking to students but also when speaking to the press, stating:

“If you hear a politician or public figure trying to throw shade on the simple facts of climate change, do not listen to another word they say in public ever again… it is happening.”

Steve Backshall, guest speaker at the Suffolk Youth Climate Conference 2025

Steve discussed his first-hand experiences of climate change through the lens of his past travels. He shared the worrying impacts of warming he has witnessed from shrinking Arctic Sea ice affecting polar bear behaviour to receding and disappearing inland glaciers forcing species and Indigenous peoples to change their lifestyles. He spoke of the speed of change, the pressures that have accompanied industrialisation, and the demands of a growing global population.

He acknowledged the weight of climate anxiety, especially among young people who will not only have to be the ones to live with the consequences but also shoulder any potential solution. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. He also offered a message of hope. He stressed the importance of empowerment and the impact that young people can have, citing examples of young activists and environmentalists who have worked independently but crucially have worked collaboratively to have a global impact, coming together to make real-world change.

“People need to be empowered. They need to have a sense that they are important and the things they do can make a difference.”

He ended with a poignant message about the many engaged and passionate young people out there nationally and internationally, sometimes unaware of each other. This point resonated deeply with a crowd of faces mostly unfamiliar to one another, fostering a sense of unknown community.

“We hear endlessly about Greta Thunberg. Well, there are tens of thousands of Greta Thunbergs in this nation alone — and 250 possible Gretas sat right here today.”

Youth in Action: Amy Meek and the Power of Collaboration

Honouring Steve’s sentiment of youth empowerment, the next speaker was Amy Meek, co-founder of Kids Against Plastic. Amy shared how she and her sister Ella launched their charity at just 10 and 12 years old. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into an international movement.

From their One Million Pieces of Litter campaign to lobbying against single-use plastics, their work has shown young people can drive real change. Through their Kids Against Plastic Club, they have created a supportive, collaborative space where young people can take action together.

Their story proves that no one is too young to make a difference and that real-world impact can be achieved when like-minded people collaborate.

“Young people have this really infectious energy,” said Amy Meek. “If we can mobilise that energy into actual positive action, it can have a massive difference.”

Hands-On Learning and Green Futures

After the morning’s talks, students explored the Green Futures area, where they had the chance to meet with representatives from thirty-four organisations working to help tackle environmental issues. From learning how to get into green careers to local initiatives, students had the chance to ask questions and gain a greater insight into the range of environmental action going on across Suffolk.

Multiple of these organisations ran hands-on workshops that engaged the pupils in various topics, including marine conservation and plastic pollution, climate justice and sustainable food systems, circular fashion and behaviour change campaigning, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity planning.

Equipping Educators for Change

Teachers were not left out. They, too, had a dedicated programme of talks and workshops led by the Suffolk Sustainable Schools Network, who were joined by Let’s Go Zero. These sessions focussed on topics like place-based education and climate action planning to help give educators the skills and support to embed sustainability and climate studies into their teaching and day-to-day school operations in a way that is meaningful and locally relevant.

An Awareness of Intersectionality and a Message of Hope: Jaz Brook and the Power of Community

The conference concluded with a talk from Jaz Brook of Youth Climate Solutions. Jaz spoke about the intersectionality of the climate crisis. She highlighted how environmental pressures are deeply connected to social justice issues, and how the impacts of climate change will be disproportionately felt by those who already suffer due to social inequalities. The reality is that those least responsible for emissions will be most affected.

She acknowledged many young people’s uncertainty but offered a message of hope and optimism. She spoke about how simply filling a room like this with engaged people who share a passion and concern is an achievement and a great starting point in making a community of change makers. Small actions that, when viewed independently, may seem inadequate or inconsequential start having a noticeable impact when people and communities come together and act.

“When engaged people come together, talk and plan, things start to happen”

A Launch Pad for Action

The Suffolk Youth Climate Conference 2025 was not just a day of learning. It was a launchpad for action. It was a reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also have the potential to lead today.

There was a clear sentiment shared between speakers, workshops, and partners. The time to act is now, and young people have the power to make a huge difference. It is time to start allowing young people to take ownership of the narrative, which will occupy much of their future.

And if Steve is right, there are potentially 250 possible Gretas already on the move.

This work falls under the Collaborative Action theme of the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan which was published by Suffolk’s Public Sector Leaders to help combat the climate crisis in Suffolk.

Checkout the video bellow to watch some of the highlights form the day

Find out more about the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan!