All over the world, the climate is changing. The biggest contributing factor for this change is more greenhouse gases in the air, trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Across the globe, farming produces around 20% of all greenhouse gases, in the UK this is around 10%.
Farms generate greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels to power machinery, spraying fertilisers, digging up the soil and through diary and meat production, animals, such as cows, release methane into the atmosphere when they 'burp'. However, farms can also do something to help absorb (or 'sequester') emissions - so is uniquely placed as a sector to lock up carbon and reduce greenhouse gases.
What Climate Action Farm in a Box aims to do
Climate Action Farm in a Box (external link) is a free, hands-on programme that builds connections between farming, the food we eat, and climate change across a series of progressive learning objectives.
Developed by education specialists the Country Trust (external link), the Box is aimed to support Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11 years) pupils by introducing the concept and consequence of global warming whilst inviting them to reflect and explore their feelings around this often-overwhelming subject.
What's included in the Boxes?
- Activities that explore weather and climate, plant growth and CO2 and how the food we eat contributes to greenhouse gases
- Short films which feature real-life farmers show how the changing climate is having an impact on their farms and the steps they’re taking to adapt to these changes
- Pupils are also guided to create their own pupil-led climate action plan, to identify issues around them, and, working with their head teacher, create a plan to reduce their school’s carbon footprint
- Curricular links include science, maths, geography, English and PSHE.
When will the Boxes be available?
The Boxes land in schools at the beginning of November 2021, coinciding with the COP26 (external link) summit held in Glasgow, which brings together parties from all over the world to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Jill Attenborough, CEO of the Country Trust explains:
"In the latest IPCC report, the UN has said it’s code red for humanity as our climate changes rapidly. At the Country Trust we believe in empowering children to create change in their own lives and the world around them through food, farming and countryside experiences. Most of us don’t farm but we all eat and therefore we’re all participants in agriculture through the choices we make. Climate Action Farm in a Box supports children to be curious, make connections with the world around them, and grow in confidence to become active participants in tackling the climate crisis."
How can schools order the Boxes?
Thanks to support from Hiscox, Climate Action Farm in a Box is free for eligible schools.
Eligible schools can order a Box now by visiting the Country Trust website: