Action on climate change will come from the ‘grass roots’ according to a group of students from Schumacher College who travelled to the COP26 climate conference Glasgow.

Students from the Dartington-based college volunteered at various events at the event and met seasoned activists including women from Greenham Common.

Student Thea Connolly described attending the conference as “inspiring.”

She added: “I think action on climate change will come if people at the grassroots keep putting pressure on governments.

“But I also think we need to realise there is not only one solution but lots of micro-solutions.

“It it’s about shifting public opinion, but that is going to happen one conversation at a time.”

Ishaan Aggarwal, an engaged ecology student at Schumacher, played a role in the Coalition People’s Summit at COP26 – a gathering of community and civic groups from around the world representing those from all different backgrounds.

Ishaan, who is from India, said he felt it was important to represent people from developing countries who had been marginalised.

“Much of what has been achieved here in the Global North has been on the back of the hard work of black, indigenous and people of colour,” he said.

“These are the people who are already facing the worst effects of the convergent crises – ecological, economic, cultural, social and political.”

Many of the conversations at the Glasgow event focussed around the impact young people can make, including a meeting of Youth Activists from around the world who have been taking part in Fridays For the Future demonstrations.

Thea, 38, said she had been very impressed to meet teenage activist, Howey Ou, 18, of China, who was banned from school for engaging in climate protests.

Thea, who has a background in private equity and investments, felt wrong criticising a the capitalist system which she benefited from.

She explained: “I quit my job in finance because I was uncomfortable about the gap between my values and what I was doing. I was a dinner-table activist.

“The current system doesn’t let you see the impact of your lifestyle because we are so disconnected from everything.

“I was living in a city and I didn’t see the seasons change.

“Spending time in nature around Dartington Estate and Schumacher College has had a big effect on me – every week I see a different flower coming out.

“It’s such a different way of living.”

Since leaving her job in finance Thea has spent time studying, volunteering and working for a climate NGO (non-governmental organisation).