Commentary: Climate education helps kids learn and cope in perilous times

In 2021, a team of researchers surveyed 10,000 young people in 10 countries and found that a large majority were very worried about climate change. Young people have a lot at stake. They know climate change will be a major factor affecting virtually every aspect of their lives. They are frightened by the climate disruptions they see happening, anxious about their uncertain future and angry that they will have to mitigate and adapt to the consequences because adults have done far too little.

Teachers and mental health professionals generally agree that education is key to providing children with skills to cope with the many manifestations of the climate crisis. More than 80% of teachers and parents in the United States support climate education in schools. A 2021 study by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that 78% of registered voters of all political persuasions support teaching about the causes and effects of global warming and finding solutions.

Tina Grotzer, principal research scientist at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, points out that children are well-aware of the climate crisis and that adults have a responsibility to help them develop sustainable ways to live on a damaged planet. She cautions that the very youngest children should not be exposed to the horrific effects of climate change but should first be taught to be eco-centric and to have a relationship with Earth.

In an article for the Columbia Climate School, Renée Cho writes that young people want solutions, but they need to learn the basics about climate change before they can take action. As Dr. Grotzer points out, taking action helps protect children’s mental health. Even doing something as seemingly simple as planting a tree or recycling can be therapeutic. Dr. Ellen Herbst, a psychiatrist at the University of California, advises parents that in addition to aiding their children with coping skills, it’s important to remember their primary need is to feel safe. Parents should remind children that they will be there and care for them.

Federal agencies are staffed with exceptional scientists who are highly motivated to contribute to the common good. Their climate work is impressive. In addition to its regular climate change website, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has a NASA Climate Kids site that provides answers about climate change in easy-to-understand language. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the purpose of its climate change website is to provide clear, accessible information about the many ways the changing climate is affecting the health, prosperity and security of all Americans. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also has an excellent climate website — for the moment. The Trump administration already has taken down the National Park Service website Teaching Kids About Climate Change, and it soon may do the same with other government climate education resources.

Fortunately, private organizations also provide excellent advice and resources. For example, Subject to Climate provides lesson plans that integrate climate change into all subjects for grades K-12. Clime Time offers science teacher training. And The GLOBE Program is an international science and education organization that provides hands-on interdisciplinary activities. This is Planet Ed offers educational professionals the resources and guidance to help children and young people succeed in a changing climate.

Science Moms is a group of mothers who are also climate scientists. They are committed to helping moms understand the fundamentals of climate change and provide them with tools to discuss the consequences and solutions with their children. The Kids Fight Climate Change program was developed by young people. Its mission is to educate young people about the global climate crisis using youth-created content to inspire and empower them to take action in their communities and across the globe. There are many other organizations offering excellent guidance and information about climate change that are easily accessible online.

As President Trump methodically dismantles the federal programs that have been effectively combating the climate crisis, it is imperative that parents and professionals in the private sector continue to provide the moral support and material means for children to live well in perilous times.

Richard Wildermann of Seabrook Island is a parent, grandparent and climate activist.