Many scientists are in agreement: the world is in a climate and ecological emergency. This has led to a media bombardment of doom-and-gloom stories that pupils are increasingly picking up on and developing what has been termed 'climate anxiety'. In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (UNDP, 2015) were agreed by all United Nations member states as a framework to achieve a more sustainable future. World leaders have committed to working towards these 17 shared outcomes until 2030 and many, if not all, of the solutions will be informed by science. The author finds using these goals to frame curriculum planning is a useful way of making the learning real, memorable and important to pupils. Drilling down from the 17 goals there are 169 specific targets from which a multitude of learning opportunities can be planned. In this article, the author reflects on how these goals can frame primary science teaching: how a bug hunt in the school grounds can quickly transform into discussions about ensuring that more sustainable food production systems are developed.