Zoe Gilbank: Leading Yorkshire & Humber’s Climate Action in Education Settings

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

Zoe Gilbank, the Climate Ambassadors regional hub manager for Yorkshire & Humber, joined Kit Marie for another Climate Ambassadors special episode of the Coffee & Geography podcast.

A Lifelong Commitment to Sustainability

Born and raised in Leeds, Zoe has always had a deep connection to her hometown. She studied human geography at the University of Leeds and has since worked in various sustainability-related roles, focusing on mental health, student engagement, and climate education. Her love for nature, nurtured by her experiences of being outdoors, whether running, hiking, walking, or swimming in the sea, has played a significant role in shaping her career path.

Travel and Cultural Experiences

Zoe’s love for exploring the world and experiencing other cultures has greatly influenced her perspective on environmental issues. She has been fortunate to travel from a young age, developing a deep love for road trips and exploring new environments. One of her most memorable experiences was a road trip down the Highway 101 on the West Coast of America, where she was deeply moved by the beauty of the redwoods.

The Intersection of Injustice and the Environment

Zoe’s work and studies have led her to explore the intersection of environmental issues and social injustices. She has focused on how the climate crisis disproportionately impacts women across all geographical contexts, and how accessibility to green spaces can vary greatly depending on socio-economic factors.

The Climate Ambassadors Scheme

As the regional hub manager for Yorkshire & Humber, Zoe is at the forefront of the Climate Ambassadors Scheme in her region. She is excited about the potential of the scheme to educate and empower individuals to take action against climate change. Zoe is particularly focused on working with local councils and educational settings to ensure that the scheme is relevant and accessible to all.

Zoe’s work in Yorkshire & Humber is a reflection of her commitment to supporting local communities and promoting environmental sustainability. Join us in our latest podcast episode as we delve deeper into Zoe’s journey and her work with the Climate Ambassadors Scheme. Let’s explore how each one of us can make a difference in our own way.

Listen to the full episode below!

Unknown's avatar

Published by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

Kit Marie Rackley (they/she) is an award-winning ex high-school Geography teacher in the UK. Throughout that time and continuing today, Kit Marie provides teacher continuous professional development (CPD) and training, which previously included a role as Associate Tutor for the School of Education at the University of East Anglia. Kit Marie has worked as an education consultant and project manager with climate and energy scientists, including researchers based at NOAA Boulder, Colorado and as an educator and trainer at the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco, California, and is now freelance consultant with the UK’s Geographical Association and the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT). They are a published educational author, including works with National Geographic Kids and Diverse Educators. Kit Marie is a strong and passionate advocate of youth voice and empowerment, decolonising the curriculum, and inclusive and intersectional education. Much of their work revolves around the climate crisis, focusing around framing it as a school safeguarding issue. Kit Marie runs an educational resource blog at Geogramblings.com, and is host and producer of the Coffee & Geography podcast.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.