Climate resilience is often discussed in laboratories, research papers, and policy briefs. However, Neuroclima’s partner CATAA (Centro de Apoio Tecnológico Agro-Alimentar) is bringing these critical conversations directly into the classrooms of Castelo Branco. Part of the Neuroclima project’s pilot phase, this initiative empowers the next generation to use audiovisual storytelling and creative writing as tools to engage with complex climate science and local environmental themes.
The pilot kicked off with a challenge that invited students to look at their surroundings differently. Focusing on the One Health concept – the scientific and policy framework that aims to sustainably balance the health of people, animals, and ecosystems – students swapped textbooks for cameras. So far, the “Messages for the Future” photo contest has engaged hundreds of active student participants and extraordinary results in community mobilization, with over 6,300 citizens voting and resharing their favorite pictures. During the second month, students are producing original video content on food waste and organic waste solutions. In the third month, they will move into creative writing, focusing on forest fires and drought.
Participants have had the opportunity to learn about visual narratives and how to build rigorous and engaging scientific content with world-class experts such as Pedro Martins, photojournalist and National Geographic collaborator, and Miguel Ferreira, researcher and science communicator at the Centre for Functional Ecology – Science for People & the Planet, University of Coimbra. This week, students will receive writer Joana Lopes for another inspiring session dedicated to creative writing.
As these young changemakers move from observing climate challenges to creating their own scientific and creative narratives, they are becoming the architects of a more resilient European future.
We would like to congratulate the amazing CATAA team – Ana Eugénio, Ana Rodrigues, Carolina Azeitona, Inês Brandão and Inês Barreto – as well as the teachers and students from Agrupamento de Escolas Nuno Álvares, including E.B. Cidade de Castelo Branco and E.B. Faria de Vasconcelos, and from Agrupamento de Escolas Afonso de Paiva, including E.B. Afonso de Paiva and E.B. da Mina.
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