Discover the importance of involving children in climate action. Children, like six-year-old Emily, are increasingly aware of environmental changes and are eager to make a difference. Education, easy home initiatives, school involvement, and tree planting are effective ways to engage them in the fight against climate change. Foster hope and empower the next generation to create a sustainable future.

When six-year-old Emily came home from school one day, she asked her mom: “Why are the polar bears losing their homes?” Puzzled by the earth’s changing climate, Emily felt a need to do something. A few weeks later, her family planted a tree in their backyard. Emily watered it diligently, her eyes lighting up as she said, “Mom, this tree is going to help the polar bears, right?”

Much like Emily, children are increasingly aware of the environmental changes happening around them. They sense the urgency, and more importantly, they feel compelled to act. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges we face, and who better to involve in this fight than the very people who will inherit the Earth? 

Why is it important to involve children in climate action?

Engaging children in environmental issues isn’t just a nice to have; it’s a necessity. By instilling a sense of responsibility for the Earth in children, we are grooming a future generation better equipped to tackle climate issues. Their innate curiosity, enthusiasm, and keen sense of justice make them powerful catalysts for change—within their families, schools, and communities.

Step one: Education

The key to educating children about climate action starts with age-appropriate dialogue. The vocabulary and depth of information should be tailored to your child’s age and understanding level. For example, younger kids might grasp the idea better through stories involving animals affected by climate change, while older children can engage with scientific explanations and current events. 

Take advantage of various educational tools designed specifically for children. Books like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss for younger kids and The Watcher by Jeanette Winter offer poignant narratives about environmental issues in a way that is engaging and educational. Shows like Our Planet and Planet Earth are not only visually striking but also deeply educational, offering an incredible overview of the ecosystems of our planet and how they are affected by human actions.

Sometimes, the most impactful lessons come from firsthand experience. Whether it’s a visit to a recycling plant, a nature reserve, or even a museum with an environmental focus, experiences like these can bring the reality of the situation closer to home for children.

Easy ways to get started at home

One of the best places to start involving children in climate action is within the confines of your home. 

Open up the family dinner table

Open conversations during family meals or car rides can serve as great platforms for learning and engagement. Pose questions like, “What do you think happens when we throw away plastic?” or “Why do you think we should turn off the lights when we leave the room?” This not only encourages kids to think critically but also opens the door for educational moments.

Recycling and composting

Teach kids the basics of separating waste. Make it a fun game to categorize items into recyclable, compostable, and landfill waste. 

Gardening

Use your backyard or even indoor planters to teach children about the importance of plants. Let them take charge of watering, and explain how plants absorb carbon dioxide, making the planet healthier.

Energy conservation

Encourage simple actions like turning off lights when not in use and unplugging devices, explaining how these small steps contribute to energy conservation.

Stepping up school and community involvement

Beyond the home, the school and the broader community offer ample opportunities for children to get involved. Encourage curricular and extracurricular focus on climate change. Talk to educators about incorporating environmental topics in science, geography, and even art classes. Schools can play a pivotal role by aligning some of their academic focus with environmental education. 

Eco clubs

If your child’s school doesn’t have an eco-club, consider helping them start one. These clubs can initiate various activities, from recycling drives to eco-conscious craft fairs.

Local clean-ups

Participate as a family in local clean-up events. It’s a practical way to show children how littering affects their immediate environment.

Advocacy

Older kids can be taught about the power of petitions and community mobilization. Help them draft letters to local leaders demanding climate action.

By incorporating education in everyday activities and discussions, making use of interactive tools, and exposing them to real-world applications and role models, we can prepare children for informed activism. The more they know, the better equipped they will be to take meaningful steps towards climate action, ensuring that they not only inherit a planet in crisis but also the tools and knowledge to heal it.

Involvement through tree planting

Tree planting is a direct and effective way to combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and improve the quality of the soil, among many other benefits. It’s an action that provides instant gratification and long-term impact, making it ideal for children.

EcoMatcher enables you to adopt more than 10 trees at a go, name each tree, and receive regular updates about them. This is a great way to imbue children with a sense of responsibility even from a young age, and get them excited about the prospect of greening the earth. 

Measuring impact and celebrating success

Maintain a “Climate Action Diary” where your kids can jot down the steps they have taken each week and the impact they think it’s making. Celebrate milestones, like planting the 10th tree or completing a month of recycling, to keep them motivated.

Look out for signs of climate anxiety

Conversations about climate change can sometimes lead to what is termed as “climate anxiety” or “eco-anxiety,” especially among children who are just beginning to understand the gravity of the issue. While it’s important to present the facts, it’s equally crucial to focus on solutions and foster hope. Use dialogue to shift the focus from doom-and-gloom scenarios to actionable steps that can make a difference. When children see that their actions can contribute to a solution, it helps alleviate feelings of helplessness and anxiety. 

Encourage them to be hopeful, not just for the sake of their own mental well-being, but also because hope can be a powerful catalyst for change. A hopeful outlook often leads to proactive behavior, inspiring not only the individual but also those around them to take meaningful action.

The final word

As we seek to mitigate climate change, let’s not overlook the powerful change agents living right under our roofs. Kids like Emily can—and do—make a difference. They’re ready to take action; they just need guidance and opportunities. As a tree-planting organization, we encourage you to include young minds and hands in our collective mission to reforest the Earth and make a lasting impact.