Schoolchildren in Richmond borough will be holding their own 'mock COP26 conference' today.

Secondary school pupils will represent different nations and viewpoints "to highlight the political complexity of the climate crisis," at the mini COP26 event.

The summit will take place at the Council's HQ in York House, Twickenham this afternoon, as part of a week of climate-themed activities put on by the Council.

A similar event for primary school pupils, highlighting the importance of the natural world and the actions children can take, will start this morning at 10am in the Council chambers.

The meetings are part of 'Richmond Climate Week', seven days of practical activities and educational events run by the Council with local environment charity Habitats and Heritage.

It takes place as world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26 to negotiate how to avoid catastrophic global warming and climate change, with some landmark agreements on ending deforestation and cutting methane emissions already signed.

The week also includes a heritage landscape tour of Marble Hill park, during which attendees will learn about how climate change could affect the nature here.

A Net Zero and Climate Change Open Forum takes place at Orleans House Gallery on Saturday morning, with stalls from local climate groups, community groups and charities.

And Sunday morning will see a special event at Teddington's Landmark Arts Centre featuring expert climate campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Dr Alice Bell in conversation with Guppi Bola, for Richmond Literature Festival.

In a blog post for the Council yesterday, Cllr Julia Needen-Watts, Chair of the Council's Environment and Sustainability Committee, said she was particularly looking forward to the youth summits today.

"Young people learn about and understand climate and ecology issues, and they have high expectations of those currently in charge," she said.

"Young people need to know (a) what we are doing about it and (b) how to prepare themselves positively through science and understanding for the challenges they will inherit.

"There will be discussion of how improving our natural habitat can boost emotional and physical wellbeing - and how, whilst national and international action is sorely needed, we can also act locally on achievable projects here in the borough in our schools, parks, and gardens.

"Secondary School children will be taking an international outlook and considering the viewpoints of different nations in meeting the challenges that affect them.

"That sense of everything being in play, from the most local initiative to the widest international partnership, is fundamental to achieving a sustainable future."

Learn more about Richmond Climate Week and see the full list of events here.