Children tend to be naturally curious about the world around them. They never seem to run out of questions. In today’s world, they will more than likely stumble across the term “climate change” at some point. It’s unavoidable.
Climate change is a controversial topic that many people have trouble discussing. Just starting the conversation can also seem insurmountable. There’s so many different viewpoints and conflicting information that you may not know where to begin when explaining it to your child. So many parents simply choose to ignore it. This leaves it up to schools to try to deliver the information to kids.
So where do you start?
- Give them resources to learn more about climate change.
- Tell them what they can do to help.
- Allow them to express their feelings.
Resources to help kids learn about climate change
Here are a few resources to jumpstart you:
How to talk to kids about climate change
6 tips for talking to kids about climate change
What is climate change? – for kids.
Ways kids can help combat climate change
There are so many things that kids and parents can do to help the environment. A lot of families do their part by going solar!
Scientists ranked installing rooftop solar as the #10 most impactful change we as a society could make to reverse global warming. Going solar has many positive effects on the environment because solar does not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide and is a renewable energy source. The traditional fuel sources that are used pay a huge contribution to global warming and the reduction of our atmosphere.
Need help explaining solar to kids? Check this out:
Solar Energy for Kids
Another way that kids can help the environment and their community is recycling. If kids learn to recycle at a young age, they will continue that good habit into their adulthood. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage that is in landfills. Landfills take a long time to break down garbage. When they fill up, they are harmful and pollute the environment.
It is important for parents to sit down and have an educational conversation with their kids about climate change, and the things they can do together to help and not just leave it up to the school system. Be sure to always tell your kids the facts but make sure they are age appropriate.
Allow your child to express their feelings about climate change.
Talking about climate change can be tough. There is a lot to take in and try to understand and, even if you make your best effort to be comforting, it can still be scary. So make sure you leave space for your child to talk about how they feel.
After addressing their feelings, redirect the conversation to the positive. Remind them of the actions they can do to combat climate change so they feel inspired and empowered.
FUN FACTS
A solar powered aircraft flew across the United States using no fuel in 1990.
Fossil fuels are more expensive that solar energy.
China is the leader in using solar energy.
If you were to line up plastic bottles that are thrown away each year you would circle earth four times.
About 75% of garbage is recyclable but only 30% is recycled in the United States.
Written by: Regan Textor
Edited by: Charmaine Merriweather