“In terms of its impact on people, the economy, and the insurance industry there can currently be few issues of more significance than that of climate change” – Lord Levene, Chairman of Lloyd’s, July 2006.
"By using the poetry to take our message on climate change to schools, we hope to play a part in equipping the next generation to deal with this growing problem." - Richard Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Lloyd's, February 2007.
Trees in the City is a creative collaboration developed by the Lloyd’s insurance market to reinforce the message that we need to take action on climate change, to improve the local environment, to support Lloyd's corporate and social responsibility work, and to support innovation in the arts.
Working with Poet in the City, we have commissioned new poetry from three contemporary British poets on the subject of climate change, to help bring the message on climate change alive in an innovative way and reach new audiences.
Working with the City of London, we have sponsored three new trees and incorporated the poems into a seating area to create a new space for workers and visitors, adjacent to Fenchurch Street Station. The seats are made out of untreated British green oak from a sustainable source of 'windblown' logs from the Doldowlod estate in Wales.
Supporting Lloyd’s Community Programme, the poetry also provides the basis for a series of workshops on climate change with the students of Tower Hamlets primary and secondary schools. The children have completed some tree tags with their wishes for the planet and thoughts on climate change. The tags have been placed on the trees for the launch, which will take place at 13:00 on Wednesday 28 February at London Street.
This first project creates a framework for future collaborations which will express Lloyd’s commitment to a sustainable local environment by improving outside spaces in the City.
