GCARE’s ‘Heat-Cool Winter’ Workshop Inspires Young Climate Detectives at Zero Guildford
The Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) team was delighted to engage with local families and children during the ‘Heat-Cool Winter’ workshop held at Zero Carbon Guildford on 31 October 2025.
The event formed part of GCARE’s Heat-Cool programme, an innovative initiative designed to improve climate and clean air literacy through hands-on, science-based activities.
The workshop brought together children, parents, educators, and community members to explore the links between energy use, air pollution, and climate change, and to discover nature-based solutions for creating cooler, cleaner, and more resilient cities. Participants became “climate detectives,” using thermal cameras to identify hotspots and cool zones in their surroundings and to observe how green and blue infrastructure—such as trees, rain gardens, and green roofs—can help moderate urban heat.
Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE, commented,
“Engaging with families and children during the Heat-Cool Winter workshop was truly inspiring. It’s heartening to see the next generation actively exploring solutions to tackle climate change and air pollution. By blending science with hands-on activities, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools to create cleaner, greener, and more resilient urban spaces. Together, we can drive meaningful change for a sustainable future.”
The session also featured interactive quizzes, educational videos, and the ‘My Cool and Clean Spot’ challenge, where children designed their own nature-based solutions to mitigate heat and pollution in their neighbourhoods.
Steph Bleach, Outreach Coordinator at Zero Carbon Guildford added,
“Today’s session was a great success! Seeing the enthusiasm of children as they explored thermal images was truly inspiring. Activities like these spark curiosity, nurture scientific thinking, and help build a sense of personal responsibility for our environment.”
Participation in the Heat-Cool Winter workshop underscores GCARE’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact. By combining citizen science, education, and community engagement, GCARE continues to empower young people and families to take informed action towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
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