Next-generation climate leaders take the stage at NII’s Model UN, close to home

While world leaders recently gathered in Brazil for COP30, much closer to home, the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) welcomed 60 students from across Bruce and Grey counties for its Model United Nations (UN) Conference, held Nov. 14, at the NII Advanced Technology Campus, northwest of Tiverton.

Stepping into the role of global climate action representatives, local students tackled the same big questions about energy, land use and emissions reductions, as those being debated on the global stage.



The NII Model UN kicks off Nov. 14, with instructions to delegates at the NII Advanced Technology Campus

Working in small committees, students balanced the urgency of climate action with the unique interests of their assigned nations. They debated real climate and energy directives, sharpened their skills in collaboration and diplomacy, and aimed for the same shared goal the world is pursuing: keeping global temperature rise under two degrees.

“Events, such as the NI Model UN Conference, are so important to help the students in our area grow into their full potential,” said Jon Farrell, teacher at Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS). “Our students are big thinkers. They're well-informed. They are so passionate about everything that's going on in the world — I’m really seeing all the traits of leadership and potential in these kids which gives me a lot of hope and inspiration.”



Students in the energy use committee debate such topics as emissions reductions through electrification

Students discussed global energy systems, the world’s use of land, and how future changes can reduce environmental impacts. For many, this event was a rare chance to participate in a Model UN close to home.

“I think this is important because in small areas such as our own … it’s an opportunity for students to consider other sides that they might have never seen before,” said Kendra Newton, a Grade 11 student at KDSS.

“It’s great to meet new people from all over the region and talk with them about the future, about different ideas on how we can fix things,” said Aria Thomas, a Grade 11 student at Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS).



Delegates in the land use committee balance sustainable agriculture with needs of a growing population

At the end of the conference, delegates were recognized with committee awards and overall rankings for “Best Country Delegation”:
 

• First place: Tuvalu – Spoorthi Vijayakumar, Stella Huang and Pal Patel of SDSS, taking home a $500 cheque from 2M Power to participate in a future Model UN event
• Second place: Canada – Mohamed Lila, Ibrahim Syed and Gethin Brandon of KDSS
• Third place: India – Emerson Loblaw, James Barclay and Nova Finlay of Georgian Bay Community School

“This conference has provided our students with the opportunity to engage in material at a local level rather than travelling to a larger area, and that's sometimes a barrier for some of our students,” said Anita Koeslag, experiential learning teacher at the Bluewater District School Board. “So it's been really incredible to have this opportunity locally.”

Phillip Craig, NII’s director of STEM Education, said the day captured the spirit of what climate education should be. “The defining issue of this generation will be climate change, so to equip these students early with an understanding of the issues and a vocabulary to discuss it with, can make all the difference.”

Learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca and check out localized research on climate change’s effects on this region at climateproject.ca.



Phillip Craig (left), STEM education director at the Nuclear Innovation Institute, congratulates the team of Stella Huang and Pal Patel (with Spoorthi Vijayakumar, not pictured) of Saugeen District Senior School, for winning the “Best Country Delegation” award, representing Tuvalu, at the NII Model UN, held Nov. 14, at the NII