As a member of the High Energy Physics group at the University of Cambridge, analysing data from the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, my passion is to understand the world around me.
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time. However, at the centre of many of the solutions to this global problem are people – our attitudes and behaviours.
Poetry is able to convey and emphasise messages that, even though we can be presented with them in “black and white”, only really hit home in the form of rhyme and verse.
This is exactly what struck me when I listened to the multitude of poems on the subject of climate change at Poets for the Planet hosted by the Exhibition Road Festival in October 2021.
This inspiring event was organised by a community of poets, performers, artists, and creative activists, together amplifying their voices in order to firmly highlight the importance of positive action against the climate and ecological emergency that we are all facing.
As I listened to the whirlwind of awe inspiring poetry, in at least ten different languages, I was struck by how important and powerful poetry is as a vessel to move people to take action at this crucial time.
As a science communicator, my day job is often to clearly explain scientific ideas and to open a dialogue in order to empower people to make informed decisions on scientific issues. I clearly saw how poetry has a distinct and well defined role, alongside forms of science communication that we may at first turn to, in particular in such an emotive subject as climate change.
I was also very impressed with how the group made the event very accessible and inclusive, using subtitles both in English and the language of the poem, allowing the option for the audience to attend virtually, and of course insuring good access for wheelchair users (which was very much appreciated).
Poets for the Planet are definitely a group to keep firmly on the radar, particularly as we approach the next eagerly anticipated appearance which will be at the Glasgow COP Collective in November 2021.
See more about Earthsong, the poets and scientists taking part, and join us online for the next performance on 1 November 2021 on our COP26 page.
Find out more about Claire on her Twitter and Instagram @geeknproud42 and listen to her TED Talk.
