with the Climate Venn diagram

by Julia Rowlandson, member of Young Sea Changers Scotland

The Turning the Tide course equipped me with practical tools — from drafting consultation responses to engaging confidently with policymakers, and understanding the many forms advocacy can take.

One of the most impactful parts was exploring Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram, which encouraged us to reflect on our skills, what the world needs, and what truly brings us joy in climate action. After completing the course, I built the confidence to become a Surfers Against Sewage Rep, amplifying the need to tackle pollution at a policy level.

What made the course special, though, was the mentoring and the energy of everyone involved. Being part of such a supportive cohort empowered us to use our voices, collaborate, and turn ideas into action. I am grateful I received the Youth Ocean Action Fund, which helped kickstart my film project.

I created a short video for the Seas the Opportunity art competition, and it was showcased at the opening of the Coastal Futures Conference in London in a room full of ocean leaders! That moment already felt like a win, helping raise awareness about access to nature and the value of different perspectives in climate action.

I am now developing Sea of Senses into a full-length documentary and looking for further funding to make it a reality. It all starts with an idea and a question — and both Turning the Tide and the Youth Ocean Action Fund helped me bring it to life. I’ll be sharing the creative process over at @seaofsenses_film.