Youth voices Inspire Climate Action in first Glasgow poetry slam
Young poets from five Glasgow primary schools took the stage at Òran Mór on November 20th for a lively poetry slam. Hosted by Authors Abroad and Trees for Cities, the event aimed to inspire a connection to nature and climate action through creative expression. Timed perfectly ahead of National Tree Week, it marked Glasgow’s first grand poetry final of its kind.
Nature connection through poetry
The Òran Mór buzzed with energy as young poets gathered for the Poetry Slam final; the beautifully-lit venue providing the perfect space for a celebration of literature and climate awareness. Students performed poems on themes ranging from habitats and nature to pollution, with many incorporating captivating, choreographed routines. Excitement ran high as children confidently showcased their passion and talent, proving poetry can be a powerful voice for change.
Parents beamed with pride as their children confidently took to the stage. One parent described the event as a “brilliant way to combine creativity and climate awareness.” The students, too, were teaming with excitement. The competition was tough with standout lines like “We need to stop the pollution and find the perfect solution!”, from a St Denis’ team. Judge Simon Lamb, writer-in-residence at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, praised the event for sparking imaginations, noting how poetry, even in its simplest forms, can make magic and connect young minds to big ideas.
We’re absolutely delighted to have extended our successful poetry slams into Glasgow. Nature is a subject close to our hearts and it means so much to us to liaise with Trees for Cities to spread an environmental message. We’ve been blown away by the talent, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by the pupils and so thankful to the schools and parents for their support in helping this event happen.
Yvonne King, Head of UK Author Visit and Poetry Slams at Author’s Abroad
"More trees please"
Congratulations to the winners, Cleeves, winning with fantastic verses such as: “Wildlife and nature don’t need any pollution; save the planet with a worldwide solution.” The judging panel also performed; Chris White opened the evening with a stirring call to action: “More trees please”. Simon Lamb brought laughter with his witty verses, promoting the organic connection between poetry and nature.
From Trees for Cities, judge Kat Loach emphasised the importance of engaging young people in environmental awareness through unconventional methods like poetry. Host, Spoz, highlighted his belief in the mental health benefits of both poetry and nature.
Prior to the Poetry Slam, Authors Abroad facilitated workshops across the five primary schools, where poet Spoz worked with students to craft poems about trees and the environment. The most compelling performances were selected to represent their schools at the final. Teachers praised the workshops for inspiring children to care about the environment.
It’s been absolutely wonderful seeing the pupils share their passion for nature through poetry. Events like this educate but empower young voices, and foster a sense of hope in the face of the climate crisis.
Louise Purnell, Senior Engagement Manager from Trees for Cities
Filling Glasgow with trees
This event is part of the Trees for Climate Action initiative, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, to connect 10,000 young people with tree-related activities, such as planting, protecting, and maintaining urban greenery.
The event also accentuated Glasgow’s critical need for green initiatives, with the city’s tree canopy covering just 2% of its land - ranking lowest in a UK study of urban greenery. Scotland has also lost 23% of its tree cover since 2000. Peter from Eadha, a partner with Trees for Cities, underlined the imperative need to increase Scotland's forestation efforts, noting the significant decline of Scotland’s native forests.
The evening proved that poetry is not just a medium for education but also a catalyst for climate action, leaving participants energised to advocate for a greener future for all.
Written by volunteer writer Lydia Hanna
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