This National Tree Week, CAT hosts POP25, an inspiring live-streamed annual event for schools, presented by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.
On 27 November, thousands of young people from across the UK came together virtually for Protecting Our Planet Day (POP25), an extraordinary live-streamed event for schools that’s designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers. This year, we’re proud that the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is the physical host location for this landmark annual event.
What is POP25?
POP25’s mission is simple yet powerful: to engage schools with the science and solutions that are helping to protect our planet. We urgently need skilled young people entering careers with the leadership and skills to continue exploring and implementing solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency. Through live sessions, interactive activities, and direct links to research stations around the world, students will explore how climate change is being monitored and mitigated – from space missions to biodiversity conservation.
This year’s programme is packed with inspiring content including:
- Live link to ESA Mission Control to learn how Earth observation satellites track climate change.
- A deep dive into biodiversity protection, featuring producers of the BBC’s upcoming Kingdom series and conservation projects in Zambia.
- Live updates from the Sir David Attenborough research vessel as it journeys between Greenland and the Arctic.
- Connections to the Halley VI Antarctic research station and scientists studying ice sheets in Norway and Northumbria.
And that’s just the start. Every session is designed to show young people that science is not just about understanding problems but about creating solutions.
Why CAT?
Hosting POP25 at CAT is a perfect fit. For over 50 years, CAT has been at the forefront of environmental education and practical solutions to climate change. Our unique location in the heart of Wales, surrounded by forests and renewable energy systems, offers an inspiring backdrop for a day dedicated to protecting the planet.
CAT’s role goes beyond providing a venue. We share the event’s core mission: to empower people with knowledge and skills to build a sustainable future. From our postgraduate courses to school visits and hands-on workshops, CAT is committed to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. POP25 amplifies this impact by connecting our work with global efforts, including cutting-edge space technology.
Living Wales at POP25
We’re thrilled that Professor Richard Lucas is part of the programme, presenting his Living Wales Project. This pioneering initiative uses Earth observation data to monitor and understand changes in Welsh landscapes – a perfect example of how space science and local action come together to protect ecosystems.
National Tree Week 2025
POP25 coincides with National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, ran by the Tree Council. Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. CAT’s woodland setting and our commitment to sustainable land use make us an ideal host for a day focused on protecting the planet. By linking space-based monitoring with on-the-ground conservation, POP25 highlights how technology and ecology work hand in hand to safeguard our future.
Inspiring Careers and Futures
POP25 isn’t just about science – it’s about career possibilities for young people. Afternoon sessions will showcase 16 different career paths in sustainability and climate action, helping students see that protecting the planet isn’t limited to one discipline. Whether through engineering, data science, conservation, or creative media, there’s a role for everyone.
With nearly 200,000 students and over 10,000 educators signed up, POP25 was the biggest yet!
School Visits
Find out more about CAT’s work with schools and make an enquiry about bringing your class to CAT.