The Climate Crisis can feel overwhelming. We are watching it play out in front of our eyes, on social media and on the news.
Your child or a child you know might get caught up in online convosations about our planet and be left feeling worried or looking for answers.
So to help parents, teachers, caregivers and adults everywhere navigate this potentially difficult conversation, we have worked with our Youth Advisory Board to come up with five top tips on how to speak to children about the climate crisis.
- Hear them out
Make time and hold space for them to share how they’re feeling.
Don’t underestimate their ability to ask tough questions, propose smart solutions, and possibly teach you something, too.
It’s okay that we might not have all the answers. What’s most important is that we commit to staying informed and creating open and honest conversations with children.
- Rely on science
Having responsible conversations about the climate crisis with children and young people means ensuring that these conversations are informed by the scientists and climate researchers who know best.
- Tailor the conversation to the child
With younger children start with the basics and discuss what could help the environment, such as planting trees and cleaning oceans, and what’s harmful, like rising temperatures and plastic pollution.
Older children may already have a more advanced understanding so you can encourage them to understand the global problem.
- Make clear it's not their problem to solve
It’s important to remind children that the responsibility of solving the climate crisis does not lie with them.
Acknowledge that their concerns are valid, reassure them that they are safe, and remind them that there are many adults around the world working to see an end to the climate emergency.
- Take action together
Where there are crises, there is always hope that change is possible.
Inspire children to see themselves as agents of change. Discuss ways you can take climate action in your area, such as joining a protest. And commit to implementing climate-friendly ways of living into your routine, like trying out plant-based recipes or cycling to school or work.
How to talk to kids about other hard topics
Read more blogs on the climate crisis
See how we're helping children most effected by climate disasters
Sign our climate emergency petition
We hope these tips and links are helpful and if you have tips of your own share them on social by clicking below.
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