Inspiring climate action through the arts

Zeny Zarfu, an educator from Ethiopia, presented on “Inspiring Climate Action through the Arts,” demonstrating how to integrate climate issues into English lessons. She outlined using diverse art forms like poetry, visual art, performing art (dance, drama, role-play), and music/songs to engage learners. Key strategies include connecting activities to local contexts and cultural traditions, utilizing recycled materials, and fostering creative and critical thinking. Art makes abstract climate concepts tangible, builds vocabulary, and empowers learners to move from awareness to action, helping reduce climate anxiety. She advises teachers to start small, leveraging familiar cultural art forms.