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.

At the heart of the project is a desire to change how we think about the unseen and the unknown. How we value nature goes far beyond what we can see; it’s about how we experience being part of it. Voices of people living with visual impairments are central to this work, because their lived experiences help us understand the rich, multi-sensory world we inhabit. There is a real need to change how blindness is perceived in society and to start recognising the strength that lives in our differences.

I created a short video called Sea of Senses for the Seas the Opportunity art competition. I’m deeply appreciative that, as a winner, my entry was showcased at the opening of the Coastal Futures Conference in 2026 at the Royal Geographical Society in London, in front of ministers, policymakers, academics, and over 780 marine leaders. To have Sea of Senses in that room already felt like a powerful win for raising awareness around access to nature and the importance of diverse perspectives in climate action.

Sea of Senses is now developing into a narrative-led documentary, and I’m currently seeking further funding to make it a reality. If this project resonates with you, I’d love to connect and collaborate! 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.