In an Inspiring Act of Compassion and Leadership, Meteorologist Laura Tobin Pledges \$3.6 Million to Launch Climate Education Center for Youth
London, UK — In a bold and heartfelt move to combat climate change and empower future generations, renowned meteorologist and television presenter Laura Tobin has pledged \$3.6 million (approximately £2.8 million) of her personal savings and earnings to establish a cutting-edge Climate Education Center for youth in the United Kingdom.
Known for her passionate advocacy on environmental issues and her regular weather forecasts on ITV’s *Good Morning Britain*, Tobin said the decision stemmed from years of witnessing the worsening impact of climate change and a growing sense of urgency to act beyond the screen.
I’ve reported on wildfires, floods, extreme heatwaves, and the devastating toll these events have on communities,” Tobin stated during a press conference held Thursday at London’s Natural History Museum. “But it was speaking to schoolchildren during a climate talk that made it clear: they’re scared, they’re confused, and they need more than facts they need hope, tools, and action.
The project, named The Climate Lab will be built on a 10-acre site near Oxford and will serve as both an interactive learning center and a research hub for young people aged 10 to 18. It will offer immersive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and school outreach programs designed to teach the science of climate change, sustainability practices, and green innovation.
Designed in collaboration with leading climate scientists, educators, and architects, the facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy and feature sustainable construction materials, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. Students will not only learn about climate science but actively engage in real-world environmental problem-solving—from building solar-powered gadgets to planting biodiversity gardens.
The goal is to turn anxiety into agency, Tobin said. “We can’t afford to let another generation grow up paralyzed by fear or misinformed by denial. The Climate Lab is where learning turns into doing.
Tobin’s \$3.6 million investment covers the majority of the center’s startup and construction costs, with additional fundraising efforts underway to support staffing, educational programming, and community partnerships. Prominent environmental figures, including Sir David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, have expressed their support for the initiative.
In a statement, Sir David said: “Laura Tobin’s commitment is a powerful example of using one’s platform for meaningful, lasting change. Educating our youth is the most vital investment we can make in the future of the planet.”
Tobin, who holds a degree in physics and meteorology from the University of Reading and has spent over two decades as a weather forecaster, has increasingly become a trusted voice in the climate space. Over the past five years, she’s taken part in climate conferences, launched green campaigns, and written children’s books focused on environmental awareness.
But she admits this latest project is her most personal yet.
“I’m doing this for my daughter. For every child who asks, ‘What can I do to help?’ This center is the answer to that question,” she said.
The Climate Lab is scheduled to break ground in early 2026, with a projected opening date of spring 2027. It will be free for school groups and offer scholarship-supported summer programs to ensure accessibility for underprivileged communities across the UK.
In a time when global climate action often feels gridlocked, Tobin’s investment in grassroots education offers a breath of fresh air—and a reminder that individuals can spark systemic change.
As she concluded her announcement, Tobin addressed the crowd with a message that encapsulated her mission: “The climate crisis is real—but so is our capacity to rise and meet it. And it begins with knowledge, passion, and the belief that the future is still ours to shape.
