7 messages of hope in these testing times.

Let’s face it, February and March haven’t been the finest of months. The threat of COVID-19 to the health of the planet, its people and its economy, has resulted in drastic changes to everyone’s routine and has created a fear as to the imminent future. Now, more than ever, it is important to focus on some positive news.

#1 Air quality is improving and emissions are decreasing as a result of COVID-19

From new strict hand washing regimens, to virtual dates, and to working from home, the coronavirus is without a doubt affecting everything in our daily lives — and this includes our carbon footprint. In China, between February 3rd and March 1st, the country experienced a 25% decrease in carbon emissions, which could potentially measure to an estimated 200 million tonnes. Levels of other major pollutants, such as NO2, have also dropped, as shown by NASA in the image below. With aviation grinding to a halt and millions of people working from home, a range of emissions across many countries are likely following the same downward path. …

What would the world look like if we reacted to the climate crisis with the same urgency?

The coronavirus is transforming everyday life significantly. China and Italy are experiencing mass lockdowns, with other countries looking to be on the same trajectory. Mass gatherings are being banned across the globe, borders are closing, businesses are operating remotely, schools and universities are closing and we are all having to alter the way we live and work to adapt to this growing and evolving crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic and climate change are very different kinds of global crises, but they have important similarities, most especially that scientists have taken the lead in both warning the public and recommending solutions, which then are, or are not, taken on by policymakers, businesses and the public. Both are crises still in motion, with large levels of uncertainty as to their future, and comparing the two can provide useful insights. The response to the coronavirus has been a milestone of progress, demonstrating rapid behaviour change, while the global climate change debate has produced gridlock with differing viewpoints and much less of a united and collective response. …

Why the environment should be at the heart of education

School is an incredibly important part of our lives. Taking us from childhood to our adult life, school acts as our training ground, preparing us for our future.

Children are becoming ever more aware of the climate crisis. The climate change protests that have swept the world, kickstarted by Greta Thunberg, generated huge amounts of coverage and showed that this generation is deeply aware of the ongoing climate crisis. So why isn’t climate change embedded into curriculum’s across the world? Preparation for a child’s future means preparation for one of the biggest challenges the world is facing, and although teaching climate change is challenging and difficult, it shouldn’t be on the sidelines. …

The myths, the reality, and the explanation.

I find myself discussing the topic of climate change frequently, to those in my professional network, to those in my social life, and to different groups on social media and at events. It is through these discussions that I have come across a variety of climate change ‘myths’ and inaccuracies in the way that arguments are being presented in opposition to climate change. …

5 tips for effective communication.

What would you think if I told you that one of the most important things you can do in the current climate crisis is also one of the simplest things to do? The title of this read may have given it away prematurely, but you’ve got it — the answer is to talk about it. There we go, its important and its easy at the same time, and the impact can be huge.

Ok, I know that it isn’t ‘cool’ to talk about climate change. At a dinner party, at the pub, at any social event, you don’t want to be that person who changes the conversation from the latest movie, premier league winners, celebrity scandal, to arguably the greatest threat the planet is currently facing. …

Realising my mission.

“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” ―Oprah Winfrey

Being in my 20’s, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out who I am. What makes me the person that I am? Where do I stand amongst the other 7 billion people who also inhabit this Earth? What’s my calling? At times life can be somewhat confusing. We all have endless opportunities, many paths we could take, and many different dreams and aspirations, and we will never know what our true calling is. …