Last week, I had the privilege of attending London Climate Action Week — a vibrant gathering of storytellers, scientists, creatives, campaigners and climate advocates all working toward one common goal: real and urgent climate action.
The energy was infectious. From podcast tapings and film screenings to powerful conversations in unexpected corners, the week was a reminder of how much is possible when we bring together passion, purpose and storytelling.
One of the first events I attended was a live recording of the Travel Secrets podcast, hosted by Tanya Rose and joined by Amber Nuttall, co-founder of Extreme Hangout. Amber shared a story that has stayed with me — about the time she freed a manta ray entangled in fishing line while diving in the Bahamas. It was a simple, human moment of connection with the natural world, and a powerful reminder of how deeply travel can shape us. How those quiet, unexpected encounters in nature can become defining experiences that stay with us forever.
Later that day, I attended An Evening for the Ocean, where The Ocean News podcast hosted a live discussion with Robert Hutchins and Jasper Smith. They spoke about one of the most talked-about scenes in Sir David Attenborough’s latest documentary Ocean — the now-famous bottom trawling sequence. What many don’t realise is the level of risk and determination it took to film it: multiple underwater cameras were lost in the process. But what they captured has become a vital piece of visual evidence. It’s now fuelling NGO campaigns and public petitions calling for a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas — proof of just how powerful storytelling can be when it comes to shifting policy and public awareness.
The evening continued with a moving short film, Ocean Ballad, followed by a mesmerising musical performance from violinist and bioacoustician Marie-Kell de Cannart. Her music, inspired by the soundscape of the sea, felt like an emotional bridge between science and soul — a tribute to the voice of the ocean and all the creatures within it.
Another highlight was the screening of Bee:wild, a film that shed light on the alarming decline of pollinators. Co-produced by Eva Kruse, the film offered a beautifully-crafted but sobering message: there are over 20,000 species of bees, yet only eight are honey bees — and every single one plays a unique and irreplaceable role in our ecosystems. It was a powerful call to action to protect these vital species before it’s too late.
I also had the chance to meet Ciara Doyle and Ben Brown, the duo behind Going Green Media, whose work I’ve admired for a long time. Their commitment to spotlighting planet-first solutions is both inspiring and much needed in today’s media landscape.
One of the most powerful moments of the week came during the UK premiere of When the Waterfalls Die, a documentary directed by Brandi Morin. The film tells the deeply emotional story of the Indigenous Shuar People’s resistance against illegal mining in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Hosted by Earth Alliance and co-produced by Re:wild, AlldayEveryDay and Appian Way Productions, the screening was a haunting and vital reminder of the sacrifices made by frontline environmental defenders — and the sacred ecosystems they are fighting to protect.
On Nature Day, hosted by WWF and Project Everyone, I attended the Creative Visions in Nature: Women Shaping the Narrative event — and what a privilege that was. We watched Waska, a short film by Nina Gualinga exploring the commodification of ayahuasca in the Amazon. This was followed by a powerful panel discussion moderated by the brilliant Alice Aedy, with contributions from Jess Gormley (The Guardian Documentaries), Liz Bonnin (National Geographic Explorer), and Sophie Darlington ASC (wildlife cinematographer). To be in a room filled with such thoughtful, brave and visionary women using storytelling to shift cultural narratives around nature was truly energising — especially as I now move into the post-production phase of my own first short film for the Forgotten Cultures series.
It was also wonderful to finally meet Nour Alswaid and Kinvara Jardine Paterson from Project Everyone, who are working on an exciting new initiative in partnership with 2030hub — more to come on that soon.
As I reflect on the week, I feel incredibly grateful. For the conversations that stayed with me long after they ended. For the films and music that stirred something deep. For the stories shared with such generosity. And for the people — some familiar, some new — who reminded me why this work matters so much.
London Climate Action Week was everything I needed to refuel and re-focus.
Until next year!
Sophia Polson
Founder & Creative Director, Phase Creative