THE Archbishop of York took part in an emergency climate debate co-hosted by a York university - which discussed the city’s response to the COP26 summit set to be held later this month.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, was on the panel for the ‘Rise to the Moment - Yorkshire’ meeting at the University of York last month - along with key local leaders from the church, science and politics.

The debate focused on the moral, scientific and ethical case for urgent action on climate change at COP26.

It was also an opportunity to hear the thoughts, frustrations and desires of young people regarding the climate emergency around the world.

The Archbishop said he was “really pleased” to be asked to take part in the panel discussion - and said the event was a “fantastic opportunity to discuss the huge challenge of climate change” and what can be done to address it to benefit the future generations.

“We need to stand up, we cannot delay. We need to think how we can inhabit the world in a way that is mindful, sustainable, healthy and life giving for everyone - and then act,” he added.

Hosted by Professor Kiran Trehan, pro-vice-chancellor for partnerships and engagement at the University of York, other panelists at the debate included York Central MP Rachael Maskell, Jen Morris of the Young Christian Climate Network, Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Chris Cullwick and Pete Moorey, head of campaigns and UK Advocacy at Christian Aid.

Representatives from across Yorkshire, including the Youth Christian Climate Network and the University of York, were also in attendance.

Speaking before the event, Professor Trehan said: “This discussion is a vital and timely one, and will bring together key local partners across academia, the church, local government, campaigning and, crucially, young people to discuss how the city can respond and make a real difference in combatting the threat of climate change.”

The event was was co-presented by the York Environmental Sustainability Institute in partnership with Christian Aid and the Young Christian Climate Network.

The COP26 summit, to be held in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12, will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Principal partners at the event include Unilever, Sky, Scottish Power, Sainsbury’s, Natwest, Hitachi, Reckitt, National Grid and Microsoft.

Further information on the meeting can be found on the COP26 website online at: https://ukcop26.org/