Poetry and the Planet returns to UCL East for its third year

This week, UCL East welcomed students from three east London schools for the third edition of Gaia: Poetry and the Planet, a creative programme that encourages young people to explore environmental issues through poetry while engaging with research taking place at UCL East. 

Hosted beneath artist Luke Jerram’s Gaia installation in the Marshgate atrium, the programme gives Key Stage 3 students the opportunity to experience the striking artwork up close and reflect on humanity’s relationship with the Earth. The installation, which depicts our planet as seen from space, was designed to inspire a greater sense of connection to and responsibility for the natural world.  

Working with poets and UCL staff, students developed original pieces exploring themes including climate change, sustainability and the actions we can all take to protect the planet we call home. The programme culminated in a poetry sharing event, where pupils performed their work and shared their perspectives on the environmental challenges facing future generations. 

Gaia has become a focal point for UCL East’s wider public programme, which brings together artists, researchers and local communities to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time through culture and creativity. Since its launch, the poetry programme has introduced scores of young people to the campus, encouraging them to engage with both artistic expression and environmental research.  

As the programme celebrates its third successful year, Gaia: Poetry and the Planet continues to demonstrate the power of creativity to spark important conversations, amplify young voices and inspire collective action for a more sustainable future.