Climate change is upsetting the balance – the balance in nature. When systems that have run smoothly on Earth for hundreds and even thousands of years face an imbalance, nature deals with the challenges. Sometimes, nature uses mutations, and sometimes, nature adapts to the changes. Animals and plants are ‘shapeshifting’ worldwide; their limbs, beaks, and migration patterns change, and plants alter their growth. Flowers, trees and shrubs that are flowering earlier and leaf fall that is delayed can affect the whole ecosystem. Pollen, nectar, seeds and fruits are vital food resources for insects, birds and other wildlife. Flowers that appear too early can be hit by frost or cold weather, which might damage fruit tree harvest.
Protecting the Planet: Emperor of the Ice by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Catherine Rayner is a beautiful book with a serious and important message. It is a great introduction to climate change. A changing climate is making the Antarctic Ocean warmer; it is causing the ice to melt. The Emperor penguins are perfectly adapted to the harsh climate in the Antarctic. But now the winds are getting stronger, and the storms are fierce, which means that the ice is breaking up. As the Earth gets warmer, there is a risk that the colonies of Emperor penguins could disappear. The Emperor penguins are now forced to search for new places to raise their chicks – places where they can trust the ice.
The illustrations are exquisite, and that makes the message even more heart-piercing. Yet, it is important to talk to children about the changes in climate and how it affects not only us but also animals. Satellites can help scientists to monitor the colonies. I love the illustration of what the colony looks like from space. They are visible from space because they stand out with their black bodies against the snow and ice. This book invites children to explore and ponder. Warmly recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.