Join the SEEd Sustainability Journey
I will if you will… is an exercise we use with participants on our SEEd Changemaker programmes and many of our events and workshops. Participants make small or large commitments to help them make changes towards sustainability. The underlying idea is that we are all connected and responsible for each other, therefore changing the world and making it more sustainable requires us to work together. Now, the SEEd team has integrated the exercise into our newsletter and we invite you, as a member of our community, to join us on this journey of Commitment, Joy & Impact.
We are here to help each other, so we designed a journey that is easy to follow, where you have the possibility of choice, can feel and exercise what change is like, and most importantly, feel happy instead of anxious about your actions. Believe me, making a change can be fun!
All we ask of you during this upcoming month is to choose one COMMITMENT from the list below that you are eager to try out; one JOY that helps you relax and keep your journey fun; and one IMPACT idea that you find interesting enough to then spread the word to friends, colleagues, family members, or anyone you encounter. Easy, isn’t it? But more importantly, by following the steps you can change your lifestyle, your mindset, and empower others to follow suit. Like a real change maker.
Please do share your actions and commitments with us by email or on social media.
Commitment
Choose a commitment from the list below and see which one the SEEd team has picked!
- A recent survey on climate literacy among school leavers in England highlights major gaps in understanding, despite general awareness of climate change. While most students recall learning about it, nearly half don’t remember covering it in their final school year. Many underestimate the impact of small temperature shifts and don’t fully grasp the severity of exceeding key warming thresholds. There’s also confusion about causes, with many overstating natural climate influences while underestimating human-driven factors like cement production. Misconceptions extend to climate justice, with limited awareness of historical emissions and per capita contributions. While students recognize major emitters, they often lack the context to understand responsibility. Mitigation and adaptation strategies are poorly understood, with students overestimating the impact of recycling but underestimating food choices. The idea of “net zero” is widely misinterpreted, leaving them vulnerable to misleading media narratives. Trust in science teachers remains high, but low trust in politicians and tabloids suggests the need for unbiased education. Ultimately, climate education in UK schools is inconsistent. Without a clear, structured curriculum, students risk misinformation, complacency, or fatalism. Addressing these gaps is essential—not just for individual knowledge but for shaping informed citizens ready to tackle the crisis ahead. The summary was written by using the following source, that would be recommended for further reading: What school leavers do and do not understand about the climate crisis and why this is a problem (greenjobsalliance); for further interest you might find the full report here.
- Thoughts from students on the current state of education in the UK: A recent report from the Youth Shadow Panel gathered insights from over 550 students in England, ranging from KS1 to KS5, on their thoughts about learning and assessment. The findings reveal a mix of opinions, frustrations, and hopes for the future of education. One major theme was assessment. While some students appreciate exams as a way to test critical thinking and application skills, many feel they cause unnecessary stress and focus too much on memorisation. Coursework was a preferred alternative, allowing for deeper engagement with material. Some students, particularly those who are neurodiverse or disabled, shared that their needs were often overlooked in assessments, making exams feel even more daunting. Interestingly, several KS5 students reflected that their GCSE exams were far more stressful than their current studies, highlighting how overwhelming the experience can be at a younger age. Another key concern was relevance. Many students feel that what they learn in school doesn’t prepare them for real life. They want to develop practical skills—things like teamwork, problem-solving, and financial literacy—rather than just memorising facts. Some also pointed out that textbooks and resources feel outdated or even inaccurate, making their learning feel disconnected from the modern world. Inclusion was another important issue. Students, especially in KS3-KS5, want a more diverse curriculum that represents different cultures, histories, and perspectives. Some expressed frustration that the education system doesn’t prepare them to engage with societal issues or make meaningful change. Similarly, climate education was seen as lacking, with students feeling that discussions on climate change are either ignored or taught in a way that feels too political. Many want more hands-on environmental learning, as well as outdoor time to reduce stress. Finally, students across all key stages want learning to be more interactive and practical. They enjoy discussions, hands-on activities, and creative projects but feel that too much of their education consists of staring at screens or listening to lectures. Some older students acknowledged that teachers need more support and training to make this shift possible.Overall, students have a clear message: Assessments should rely less on memorisation, with fewer, evenly spaced exams and more coursework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learning should be relevant, inclusive, and integrated with life skills, political education, and mental health awareness. Climate education must be embedded across subjects, and teaching should be interactive, practical, and interdisciplinary.
- The Local School Nature Grants programme – offers schools and early years settings in England, Scotland, and Wales a fantastic opportunity to enhance their outdoor learning resources. Thanks to funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, schools can access a range of exciting benefits designed to encourage nature education. The grant includes an outdoor learning training course for staff, a school grounds climate survey, a £150 Climate Curriculum Kit, and £500 worth of outdoor equipment. The product catalogue offers over 100 items, such as bird boxes and bee hotels, which can be selected to suit various age groups and projects. These items will be delivered directly to the school, making it easy for schools to access the materials they need. Applications for the Local School Nature Grants are open from 23 January to 4 April, 2025, with a decision made by 2 May, 2025. Schools can also take part in outdoor learning training, which can be tailored to various themes and delivered either on-site or remotely. The training aims to engage staff in interactive learning and is a key part of the grant. This is a wonderful chance for schools to deepen their environmental education and engage children with the natural world in a hands-on way.
- How to talk to your kids about the climate crisis – Talking to kids about climate change – can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important conversation to have early. Many children hear about it before they even learn it in school—on TV, from friends, or at home. Just like we prepare them for big life changes like moving or new siblings, we should help them understand climate change, too. Caroline Hickman, a psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Bath, in collaboration with Greenpeace, prepared the following set of recommendations:
1.Be curious together – Kids have lots of questions, and you don’t need all the answers. Explore and learn with them.
2.Set an example – Stay calm and open. If you’re anxious, they’ll pick up on it. Show them it’s okay to talk about tough topics.
3.Balance the good with the bad – Yes, climate change is serious, but people are working hard to fix it. Share hopeful stories alongside the challenges.
4.Look at the bigger picture – It’s not just about personal actions. Governments, businesses, and communities all have a role.
5.Put feelings before facts – Instead of overwhelming them with statistics, connect with their emotions and listen to their thoughts.
6.Reframe eco-anxiety – Feeling worried means they care. Let them know that’s a good thing!
7.Use visual tools – Draw, use emojis, or find books to make discussions more engaging.
8.Take action together – Whether it’s planting trees or writing to leaders, taking action helps kids feel empowered.
By approaching the topic this way, we can help children understand climate change while giving them the tools to feel hopeful and make a difference.
Photo from: https://shadowpanel.uk/about/interim-report
Joy
This element helps you stick to your commitment with its small rewards. And secondly, it helps you exercise a sustainability mindset through art. Believe it or not, you will start to gradually see the world through the lens of sustainability, experience it differently, and reinvent the self and its habits accordingly.
- Art research on how wind power is transforming landscapes – Wild Industry is an exciting new project exploring how wind power is transforming the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, particularly in the community of Fair Isle. Led by artists Alison Craighead and Jon Thomson, this work delves into the environmental, social, and personal impacts of windfarms in this wild, remote region. The duo’s research aims to capture how local communities are adapting to these changes, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Fair Isle, one of the UK’s oldest off-grid communities, serves as a focal point for the project. Here, Craighead and Thomson examine power generation initiatives that come from the ground up, rather than top-down corporate structures. Their work will include moving image artworks, documentary portraits, and an essay film, all shot in Shetland and Fair Isle during the Spring and Summer of 2025. The filmmakers aim to create what they describe as “land poetry,” inspired by Orcadian artist Margaret Tait’s work, which focuses on the beauty and complexity of landscapes. The artists are also tackling the practical challenge of displaying their work using off-grid power, pushing the boundaries of sustainable art. By integrating these themes into their process, they hope to engage viewers with novel perspectives on the Scottish Highlands and the role of wind power in both local and global contexts. Through this project, Thomson and Craighead continue to investigate the intersection of nature, technology, and community.
- The Ecological Citizen(s) Network+ is an exciting four-year research initiative aimed at inspiring positive climate action. Based at the Royal College of Art and in collaboration with the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute and Wrexham University, this project is working to catalyse Ecological Citizenship—a concept that empowers individuals to take collective responsibility for the planet’s future. The project integrates a diverse range of disciplines, including design, activism, technology, and citizen science, to create solutions for the climate and ecological crises. At its core, Ecological Citizen(s) seeks to make environmental action accessible to everyone, lowering barriers to entry and fostering inclusive, community-based approaches. The project doesn’t just research; it mobilizes. The team is building a network of engaged citizens who can work together, share ideas, and bring those ideas into meaningful action. They also offer funding and resources to support innovative projects and pilots. In essence, Ecological Citizen(s) is about creating a sustainable digital society by engaging with people from various backgrounds and geographies. Through workshops, collaborations, and a growing network, they hope to inspire a widespread movement of Ecological Citizenship. By doing so, they are helping to ensure that everyone—regardless of expertise or experience—can contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Changing human experience and its links to technology – an arts based critique -The podcast called philosophizethis delves into Walter Benjamin’s significant influence, especially his examination of how technological changes impact human experience. Benjamin’s work remains relevant today, particularly in relation to how technologies like film, radio, and even the internet shape our perceptions. One key focus is his analysis of storytelling, which transitioned from collective, oral traditions to solitary reading after the invention of the printing press, mirroring broader societal shifts toward individualism. The podcast also explores Benjamin’s thoughts on cinema, viewing it as a “training ground” for modern society where collective, distracted engagement replaces deep contemplation. He examines the role of mass media in art, emphasizing how technology, like photography, democratizes reality representation but diminishes the “aura” of original artwork. His views on the politicization of art, particularly in the context of mass reproduction, critique how technology shapes both art and our perception of reality, especially within capitalist systems. Benjamin’s philosophical contributions, blending ideas from Kant, Marx, and Jewish mysticism, remain influential. His unique perspective on translation, art, politics, and technology challenges traditional views, offering profound insights into contemporary issues. Additionally, his thoughts on the “aura” and the decline of traditional art in the age of mechanical reproduction continue to inform debates in cultural theory and film studies today. Read more on Benjamin’s thoughts here.
- Nature-Poems – These nine poems, curated by the Poetry Foundation, highlight nature’s relationship with humanity, each exploring different ways the natural world interacts with the human experience. Emily Dickinson’s “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” uses suggestive language, like “fellow” and “shaft,” to evoke a tense yet intimate encounter with nature. Gerard Manley Hopkins’ “God’s Grandeur” contrasts nature’s divine energy with the harshness of industrialization, ultimately offering hope in a moment of redemption. Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Hearing your words, and not a word among them” uses a Maine seascape to illustrate the emptiness of unreciprocated love, while George Oppen’s “Psalm” meditates on the deep connection between humans, animals, and nature, posing questions about truth and existence. William Stafford’s “The Well Rising” reflects on carefulness in an uncertain world, while Denise Levertov’s “In California: Morning, Evening, Late January” juxtaposes environmental destruction with reverence for nature’s beauty. Gary Snyder’s “Kyoto: March” embraces the simplicity of natural elements, highlighting a mindful, meditative relationship with the world around us. Robert Hass’s “Iowa City: Early April” explores suburban wildlife, inviting us to appreciate the delicate balance between human and animal life. Finally, Pablo Neruda’s “Floods” shows nature’s impartiality, with the poor left at the mercy of floods, reminding us of social inequalities in the face of environmental forces.
Photo from: A-Z Quotes
Impact
Sometimes, solutions and great ideas are not waiting to be invented but are already out there. Somewhere. Which of these impactful solutions will you choose to spread the word about to your students, colleagues, friends and family?
- Hey Change Podcast – Rethinking Growth and Uncovering Psychological Barriers – The Hey Change Podcast is all about turning the climate change conversation from fear to optimism. Co-hosts Anne Therese Gennari and Robin Shaw dive into discussions with experts, scientists, and activists, focusing on what we can do to tackle climate change with courage and inclusivity. Since its launch in 2017, the podcast has evolved into a platform for exploring sustainability, innovation, and positive action. One episode features Per Espen Stoknes, a psychologist and economist, who explores why we’re not taking enough action on climate change. He outlines the “5 Ds” — psychological barriers to climate action — and discusses how we can rethink growth to create healthier, greener economies. As a TED speaker and director of the Centre for Green Growth, Stoknes emphasizes the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and how individuals can fuel green growth. His expertise also shines through in his books, including What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming and Tomorrow’s Economy, which offers insights into how we can create a sustainable future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in climate action, from beginners to seasoned eco-nerds, eager to understand how we can all contribute to positive changes.
- A Sustainable Mind podcast on Ocean-Friendly Snacks – A Sustainable Mind started as a master’s thesis project and grew into a powerful platform for expanding the conversation around sustainability. Here is what the host Marjorie Alexander has to say about it: The show was born from the lack of diversity I noticed in environmental discussions—there were few women, young people, and women of color present. I wanted to change that. My goal is for the podcast to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or education level. Each episode is designed with the intention that anyone, from a middle school student to a retiree, can understand and feel included in the conversation. One of the recent episodes features Pat Schnettler, an ocean activist and founder of 12 Tides, a kelp snack company. Pat’s journey began in the traditional seafood industry, where he witnessed firsthand the harmful practices of overfishing, pollution, and coastline destruction. Now, he advocates for the positive role everyday choices, like consuming sustainable seafood, can play in protecting the oceans and planet. In the episode, Pat discusses the impact of the traditional seafood industry on marine habitats and coastline destruction, how consumers can identify trustworthy seafood sources, and the benefits of sea kelp—both for habitat restoration and as a sustainable food product. This conversation is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet.
- Climate Comedy by Sustainable(ish) – The idea of being sustainable(ish) is all about taking small, manageable steps toward making a difference. It’s not about being perfect or living off the grid in a yurt, knitting your own yogurt—though that’s fine if it works for you! It’s about doing what you can, one baby step at a time, without judgment or expectations of achieving eco-perfection. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming. Where do we even start? How do we find the time and energy to make an impact when we’re already exhausted? This is where the concept of sustainable(ish) comes in. It’s about finding what works for you—small tweaks that fit into your life and create meaningful change. Our choices and voices hold more power than we think. In an empowering episode, the host chats with comedian Stuart Goldsmith, who’s been “bitten by the sustainability bug.” Although it may seem odd to interview a comedian about climate change, Stuart has started using his platform to tackle the climate crisis in his own way. This episode highlights how anyone, even those who don’t identify as ‘greenies,’ can contribute to the climate conversation. The key takeaway? You don’t have to be perfect, just get started and use your own unique skills to make a difference.
- Outrage + Optimism: Climate Stories to watch in 2025 – For years, media coverage on climate change often left people feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. But Outrage + Optimism does things differently. This podcast brings together a unique blend of outrage and optimism to keep listeners informed and motivated to take action. Each episode, hosted by Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson, delves into the latest news from the realms of science, business, politics, and culture, providing a fresh perspective on the climate crisis. The hosts acknowledge the frustration surrounding the slow pace of action on climate change despite repeated warnings from experts. But instead of focusing on doom and gloom, they inject hope and energy into the conversation. The podcast not only keeps listeners up-to-date on crucial events like the devastating fires in LA and the latest Copernicus report, but it also highlights the solutions being brought forward by technology, AI, and the business community. 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change, with the world surpassing 1.5 degrees of warming. As the decisive decade for emissions unfolds, in one of the recent episodes, Outrage + Optimism offers listeners the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to stay engaged and empowered to make a difference.
