Climate Storytelling for Young Minds with Laurel Colless

In this episode, our host, Sid Bensalah, speaks with Laurel Colless, a passionate climate advocate, science fantasy author, and educator. Laurel shares how her storytelling inspires children to engage with sustainability and take ownership of our planet’s future. Through her innovative series, The Carbon Busters Club, she combines science and fantasy to address one of humanity's most pressing challenges—climate change.

What You’ll Learn:

• Laurel’s pivot from the corporate world to educating young minds.
• The role of storytelling in making complex issues like climate change relatable for children.
• Why embedding sustainability into school curriculums is still a challenge globally.
• The importance of connecting with nature and fostering curiosity at home.
• Insight into how young climate activists are leading movements and even challenging governments.
• How Laurel’s books use magical realism to empower children to be part of the solution.
• A simple approach to understanding greenwashing and its impact on environmental movements.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling is a powerful tool to instill hope and action in young people while addressing urgent environmental issues.
• Climate change education is most impactful when it starts early and includes community-driven actions.
• Young activists are becoming a significant force in holding leaders accountable for climate promises.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Favorite Book: The Once and Future King by T. H. White—a classic tale about King Arthur. Did you know J.K. Rowling used this book as inspiration for the Harry Potter series?
• Historical Inspiration: Kate Sheppard, leader of the suffragette movement in New Zealand, was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893.

Don’t miss Laurel’s perspective on the intersection of creativity, education, and climate advocacy.

Links and Resources:

• Visit Laurel’s website: laurelcolless.com
• Follow Laurel on Instagram

Chapters

• 0:00 Climate Storytelling for Young Minds with Laurel Colless
• 0:05 Introduction to Laurel Coles
• 1:28 Laurel's Journey from Corporate to Climate Advocacy
• 3:55 Challenges and Disillusionment in Climate Projects
• 5:33 Pivot to Working with Children
• 8:15 The Birth of The Carbon Busters Club
• 11:49 Storytelling and Climate Education
• 19:27 Impact of Laurel's Work on Young Readers
• 22:24 Integrating Sustainability into Education
• 28:13 Challenges in Climate Policy and Advocacy
• 39:29 The Role of Storytelling in Climate Action
• 48:56 The Challenge of Sustaining Environmental Pledges
• 49:34 Exposing Greenwashing and Environmental Gaslighting
• 54:40 Mobilizing Youth for Climate Justice
• 56:17 Parental Guidance in Climate Education
• 58:37 The Writing Process: Crafting Engaging Stories
• 1:06:57 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights
• 1:28:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell