In this episode, we explore a subject that’s deeply important to us as educators: the role of climate in the classroom. How are schools and universities placing climate change at the heart of learning—not just in science lessons, but across the whole school experience?

We look beyond the curriculum to discover how educators are fostering sustainable living and embedding green practices into everyday school life. From encouraging active travel and connecting students with the natural world, to making conscious, eco-friendly choices part of the school culture, we’ll share inspiring examples of how teaching can shape a greener future.

We’re thrilled to welcome three inspiring champions of climate education:

🌱 Jenny Wilson – A passionate advocate from the Green Schools Revolution, Jenny is actively involved in the Teach the Teacher initiative. She collaborates with schools in underserved communities, empowering students to create their own Climate Action Plans and become agents of change.

🌍 Will Wale – A student at LSE and the outgoing Youth Focal Point for Sustainability and Climate Change at the Department for Education, Will brings a wealth of experience. He’s worked closely with young people, educators, civil servants, and ministers to advance climate and sustainability education across the UK.

🏫 Professor Nicola Walshe – Pro-Director of Education at UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, Nicola is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education. Her work focuses on transforming how climate education is delivered in schools nationwide.

Date of episode recording: 4th August 2025

Duration: 00:42:16

Language of episode: English
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee

Guests:

Jenny Wilson, Green Schools Revolution https://www.greenschoolsrevolution.uk/

Will Wale, LSE student and Youth Focal Point for Sustainability and Climate Change at the DOE

Nicola Walsh, Professor and Pro Director of Education UCL IOE and CoFounder and Executive Director of UCL’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/ucl-centre-climate-change-and-sustainability-education

Producers:

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

As the importance of climate justice grows, UCL Generation One asks the questions: can we address the past for a fairer future? And are historic injustices to blame for today’s climate inequalities?

In this episode, Mark and Simon discuss the landmark ruling from the International Court of Justice, which declares nations are legally obligated to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. This gives the countries most affected by climate change – many of which are former colonies – the legal right to hold major polluters accountable.

Lawyer and climate activist Farhana Yamin provides context on the ICJ’s decision, explaining the link between climate change and colonialism, and how activism combined with legal action can tackle systematic inequalities.

We then hear from Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology), who works with indigenous communities in Brazil. Raffaella reveals how traditional academic practices often enforce historic dynamics, and explores how research projects might include rather than marginalise indigenous knowledge.

Date of episode recording: 23 July 2025

Duration: 00:38:38

Language of episode: English

Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee

Guests:

Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology)

Farhana Yamin (Climate Justice – Just Transition Donor Collaborative)

Producers:

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

As summer kicks-off, UCL Generation One dives into the intersection of sport and sustainability – exploring how sport contributes to climate change, and how the climate crisis is already affecting how and where we play.

Mark and Simon are joined by Sofie Junge Pedersen, professional footballer and climate campaigner (Inter Milan, Denmark national team) and Dan Hall (Sustainability Engagement Officer at UCL, Communications Manager for Football For Future). Dan and Sofie discuss the role of grassroots initiatives and player-led advocacy in promoting climate consciousness in the beautiful game.

We also hear from Dr Russell Seymour, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Sport Business from Loughborough University, and the Chair of the British Association for Sustainable Sport. Russ breaks down the impact of climate change on sport, and the necessity for stronger government and organisational regulation to tackle climate change.

From grassroots campaigns to global initiatives, tune in to hear what clubs, venues, and fans can do to build a more sustainable future for the sports we love.

Link to Action FC actionfc.org/aramno-campaign

Date of episode recording: 12 and 23 May 2025

Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee

Guests:
Dan Hall (UCL Sustainability, Football For Future)
Sofie Junge Pederson (Inter Milan, Denmark national team)
Dr Russel Seymour (Loughborough University, British Association for Sustainable Sport)

Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin Mullin