Michael Rosen, a well-known children’s author, believes that climate action should be a vital part of the UK school curriculum. He wants teachers to integrate positive examples of climate initiatives across various subjects, not just in science or geography.
In an exciting program called “Hot Poets Ignite,” more than 20 poets are pairing up with climate scientists to bring climate education to schools through poetry. This initiative aims to educate children about climate change without making them feel guilty. Instead of focusing on despair, the goal is to inspire hope and show proactive solutions.
Rosen explained that while it’s essential children learn about climate challenges, the approach should be uplifting. “We can talk about the urgency of action while highlighting the great work already happening,” he said. The poems created for this initiative cover diverse topics, from wind energy to less common ones like whale excrement. These pieces encourage curiosity and spark interest in environmental issues.
Recent data shows that children today face significant climate anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the looming threat of climate change. In fact, a survey by the Climate Psychology Alliance revealed that 57% of young people express feelings of hopelessness about the future. Rosen and other advocates stress the importance of shifting the conversation towards optimism and actionable solutions.
The UK government has acknowledged the need for improvement in climate education. They recently stated that citizenship education, including climate topics, will become compulsory in primary schools by 2028. This change comes amid a broader review of education that seeks to make learning more relevant to today’s issues.
Rosen also voices concerns about the current testing culture in schools. He believes excessive standardized testing generates stress without truly enhancing learning. Instead, he advocates for low-pressure assessments that allow teachers to focus on fostering understanding rather than merely preparing for tests.
In addition to their classroom work, the poets involved in this initiative will perform at various events, including the Southbank Imagine Festival and National Poetry Day in 2026.
With programs like these, there’s a growing recognition that poetry and storytelling can be powerful tools in climate education, providing not just knowledge but also hope for a sustainable future. For more on climate psychology, check out this article by the Climate Psychology Alliance.
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