Meryl Batchelder and Paul Turner are delighted to share that their book, How to Save the Planet: Teaching the Climate Emergency in Primary Schools, published by Sage, is out now.

As members of the Ministry of Eco Education team, Meryl and Paul work with teachers and schools every day, and they have seen how enthusiastically children respond when climate, nature and sustainability are woven through the curriculum. That experience is what inspired them to write the book together.

They wish this book wasn’t necessary. Children and young people are growing up in a climate emergency, and they are concerned about it. Teachers want to help them understand what is happening and what they can do about it, but many feel unsure of the science, short of time and without clear guidance.

So their aim is to give primary teachers, specialists or not, early career or experienced, the knowledge, ideas and inspiration to engage with these complex topics. Based on the science, chapters on energy, food, waste and nature explain the key issues clearly, with practical classroom activities, so climate and sustainability become part of everyday teaching.

As a Project Earth Advisor, Meryl has seen what young people can achieve when given the knowledge and opportunity to act. Often ideas start in the classroom, with teachers who feel confident and supported.

The authors hope this book helps guide teachers and their students towards a greater understanding of what is at stake, and the belief that together we can make a difference.