As he thought about how to introduce climate change to younger audiences, Sean realised that Santa Claus, the most well-travelled person in the world, would be the perfect guide. “Santa has seen it all: the weather changes, the extremes, the challenges. He’s been on the same route for years, which means he’s witnessed the effects of climate change first-hand,” Sean explained.
In 'The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!’, Sean takes readers on an adventurous ride around the world, using real-life weather events to tell an exciting and thought-provoking story. From record-breaking snowfalls in Japan to wildfires in Australia, floods in South Sudan, and even unseasonably warm December weather in the Scottish Highlands (based on the record 18.7°C recorded in Achfary on December 28, 2019), the book draws inspiration from actual climate events.
"I’ve been at STV for nearly 20 years, and in that time, I’ve reported on some of Scotland’s most memorable weather extremes. From the Beast from the East in 2018 which buried central Scotland in record-breaking snow, to July 2022’s extreme heatwave when the Borders hit an unprecedented 35°C, the weather has never been short of surprises. I’ll never forget December 2010, our coldest in over a century, or Cyclone Friedhelm - better known as Storm Bawbag - which whipped up winds of 165mph on the Cairn Gorm summit. Then there was Storm Frank in 2015, which devastated parts of Aberdeenshire with severe flooding.
“While Scotland’s history is rich with extremes - like the deadly storm of 1968, the brutal winter of 1962–63, and Braemar’s bone-chilling -27°C in 1982 - it’s clear that our weather is becoming more volatile. Take the past few weeks as an example: temperatures plunged to -10°C in some spots towards the end of November, then soared to 15°C after snowfall in Glasgow on the Saturday, only to plummet again to -10°C days later. In early December, we’ve seen a return to 15°C, a staggering 25 degree swing, in just weeks.
“My book, ‘The Worst Christmas Weather EVER’, explores this growing unpredictability through Santa’s adventures, where every weather event he faces mirrors a real-life extreme from around the world in recent years. It’s a powerful way to bring to life the realities of our changing climate through a story that’s as true as it is timely."
Santa calls upon children around the world to become Ho Ho Heroes by adopting eco-friendly actions that help protect the planet and ensure a smoother delivery for Santa in the future.
Sean added, “I wanted the story to be as realistic as possible because climate change is not something that needs exaggerating. It’s not about scaring kids, it’s about educating them through fun and adventure.
“The book is a fun way to encourage kids to think about their own environmental impact,” Sean said. “It’s all about inspiring positive change while still embracing the magic of Christmas.”
‘The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!’ is available for purchase in stores, online, and for personalised copies, through Sean’s website seanbatty.co.uk.
