Punchy poems that make a point

The power of haikus to inspire positive climate action

Climate Ambassador, Alan Ramage, is inspiring people to channel their climate anxiety, emotions and enthusiasm into creating poetry – haikus.

“Flames, flames go away,
We’re on our holidays”
Children’s climate song

Haikus are a traditional Japanese verse form of three lines. The lines have, in turn, 5/7/5 syllables (or sounds). Traditionally, they are about nature so are ideal for expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas on responding to the climate situation and ways of moving to net zero and why.

Sky-reaching giant
Tap roots struggling to drink
Rain, rain, come again!

People of all ages are invited to write imaginative, moving and inspiring haikus that will touch the hearts and minds of all who read them. And there’s the added incentive of Climate Action’s haiku and photography competition!

Small, simple and powerful, haikus can be shared in many ways: on social media, on notice boards and other display locations. At meetings and events. Local groups and organisations of all kinds are asked to invite their supporters, members and staff to have a go and get creative!

Climate haiku inspiration

City travel choice
Bike, bus, walk – active travel
Children safely breathe

Oh so modern slogan?
Repair, re-use, recycle
Old ‘uns had it right!

Child’s sandcastle
Sprinkled with micro-plastic
Cut your plastic use

Plymouth Trees For All
Green canopy city
Avenue city

Driving 4 by 4s
Flying planes to distant shores
Climate change jet-set

Wood-warbler wren-trill
Softly fills Dartmoor glade
Yearly fades away

Climate nay-sayers
Climate slow-down-sayers
Become blame-sayers

Slave-traders used banks
Your bank and fossil fuel projects?
Check at Bank.Green

“You said you loved us.
Couldn’t you have done much more?”
Child’s voice 30 years on

Seas full of colour
Ocean full of fish and life
Reverse the clock

As a Climate Ambassador, Alan will be helping members of the public write haikus at Plymouth Libraries Climate Event on Friday October 27 at Plymstock Library.

If you would like Alan to support your event with a haiku hive of endeavour, contact Alan on menzalan@blueyonder.co.uk

To feature your haiku on Climate Connections, get in touch.