Dagenham Park Church of England School recently welcomed George Monbiot, author of This Can’t be Happening, and documentary filmmaker and climate justice activist Alice Aedy, to speak to students about the urgency of the climate crisis and what they can do about it.
The visit was organised by Penguin Random House, in partnership with Speakers for Schools, as part of their programme Penguin Talks. The programme allows young people to hear from and directly question a world-renowned thinker, writer, or influential figure from the publisher’s family of authors.
Over 120 students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the special guests and learned practical solutions on how they can make a difference in fighting climate change. George introduced pupils to the new Green Ideas series, which consists of 20 short books by writers Penguin believed created a movement, such as Rachel Carson and Greta Thunberg. Each of them also received a copy of George’s book This Can’t be Happening.
“Education can play a huge part in creating a better, safer world for our children and future generations.”
The Dagenham school was chosen to host the first in-person Penguin Talk since the pandemic hit. Previous visits to schools include Michelle Obama on the power of education and self-belief and grime artists Stormzy on the importance of having a voice and using it.
Headteacher, Chris Ash, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to hear Guardian journalist George Monbiot speak about the climate crisis and what individuals and nations can do to save our planet.
“Pupils asked Monbiot insightful and challenging questions and proved that they are future leaders in the making.
“An enjoyable day was had by all involved.”
Showing its commitment to being greener, Barking and Dagenham Council declared a climate emergency in 2020 and has introduced a range of measures to help reduce its carbon footprint and create a green borough, including increasing recycling rates.
As world leaders meet in Glasgow this week at the COP26 summit, environmental issues are dominating national and international headlines. And the young people at Dagenham Park Church of England School have recently experienced the impact of global warming right on their doorsteps. Residents in the East London borough have witnessed unprecedented levels of rain, snowfall, heatwaves, severe flooding and even a tornado in the summer.
Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for School Improvement and Educational Attainment, said: “We know that tackling climate change isn’t something we can do overnight, and it’s something that we need to do as a community.
“It’s vital to give young people the opportunity to speak about the climate crisis and educate them on the ways that they can help to play their part.
“Education can play a huge part in creating a better, safer world for our children and future generations.”