The countdown is on to take climate action

Hundreds of schools are already registered for this summer’s most exciting climate action event, the Climate Action Countdown.

It’s not long now until 30 of the biggest names in conservation come together to hold 29 days of the most exciting and inspirational climate action, and your school can take part too.

The Let’s Go Zero campaign, which supports schools in their journey to zero carbon, and is leading this event, has been delighted with the excitement and enthusiasm that schools and charities have shown for this first-ever Climate Action Countdown, running from 7 June – 5 July.

What is it? 

Alex Green, head of Let’s Go Zero, said: “The Climate Action Countdown’s goal is to tackle major climate challenges across curriculum, campus, culture and school canteens, and it's taking action that builds a fairer, greener future for our children, our country and the world.”

She added: “This exciting event shows leaders that we want our schools to get the support to run more sustainably, and to show schools that climate action can also be fun.”
Climate action advisor at Let’s Go Zero, Jo Pettifer, commented: “As a vegan and former school’s sustainability lead myself, I know how willing pupils are to embrace the future. 

They are growing up in a world that sees climate-friendly options in all the supermarkets and food chains they go to – it's no big deal. 
We’re seeing some great examples of school leaders and catering leads responding to that demand now too.”

What is included?

One of the events that has picked up the most media attention is the playground plant-powered picnic on 18 June which falls on National Picnic Day.
The Climate Action Countdown activity pack provides some simple plant-based recipes so every family and school can take part, and they will be easy for caterers to adapt their menu to.

There is also a Calendar of Climate Actions, which includes challenges to take part in every day of the countdown. These include exploring eco-anxiety with Eco-Schools, how to become a clean air superhero with the Global Action Plan and a big quiz to finish with prizes to win.  

There is an assembly and guide for each age range, and a Climate Action Countdown music video and sheet music with lyrics to download, so choirs can learn and perform the song themselves. Posters, worksheets, and media guides are also available to help you shout about the brilliant work your school is doing, and images to share on social media.

Once registered, teachers can pick-and-mix the climate activities they and their class like the look of, and while the date to carry it out is suggested, it really doesn’t matter when you do the challenge, because all actions will help your school become better for the planet.

Activities cover Key Stage 1 to 4 and include essential curriculum topics such as a focus on green careers, climate adaptation, cutting waste and protecting habitats for biodiversity.

Who else is involved?

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Eden Project, Natural History Museum, the Climate Coalition and Surfers Against Sewage are just some of the groups who have helped shape the Climate Action Countdown’s Calendar of Action, with projects such vertical gardening, building a bug house, active travel adventures, petitioning, sustainability bingo, climate anxiety discussions and creative moments in nature.  

Abby Ray, campaign communication coordinator at Let’s Go Zero, said: “So many teachers, parents and even charities themselves told us they were overwhelmed with the number of organisations you can turn to when you look at trying to help the planet. 

“Many schools and parents don’t know where to start.

“The Climate Action Countdown brings all these great charities and resources together in one place to create a one-stop-shop of climate action.”
How can I take part?

If you haven’t already signed up, you can register for the Climate Action Countdown here. Schools, teachers, parents, community groups, caretakers and catering teams are all welcome to join in.

When doing the countdown, you can use the hashtag #ClimateActionCountdown to share your school’s achievements.