Hundreds of young people from across Bolton came together to discuss the environment and share their ideas for a greener future.
The Youth Environment Summit saw pupils from Year Five and up gather at the University of Bolton Stadium for a series of interactive and educational activities.
The event provided a platform for young people to create their own solutions for protecting the environment and combating climate change.
Activities included crafts, song writing and practical exercises – all while providing young delegates with a chance to discuss their ideas and priorities for the environment.
The event was organised by Bolton Youth Voice with the support of school heads.
Claypool Primary School headteacher Amanda Hulme, who first suggested the idea for a youth summit, said:
“The young people here today are the ones who are going to go on to make a real difference.
“This was not just one day, it is the start of something huge.”
Louise Warburton, Chair of Bolton Youth Council, said:
“It took hard work and dedication, we had amazing support from the council’s Youth and Play service.
“We came up with the ideas and they were really helpful with the background work.
“This was not just one day, it is the start of something huge.”
“It’s amazing seeing your idea come to life, especially as a young person. We hope everyone can take something from it.”
Bolon Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate change, Cllr Adele Warren, said:
“The council is committed to making the borough cleaner, greener, environmentally sustainable and more biodiverse.
“We are working with our partners to tackle climate change and work towards delivering net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“We know young people are very interested in climate change and keen to have their voices heard.
“Events like this are so important as it shows young people that they can take an active role in shaping local efforts to protect our environment.”
In 2019, Bolton Council officially declared a climate emergency and committed to playing its part in protecting the environment.
In September last year the council adopted the Bolton Climate Change Strategy.
The strategy, that will be used to measure success on climate change, was developed with the Bolton Vision Partnership following extensive public consultation.
The partnership brings together organisations across Bolton including Bolton at Home, Bolton University, Bolton CCG, Bolton Community and Voluntary Sector, Bolton College, NHS Bolton Foundation Trust and the council.