10 Essential Tips: Having the Climate Change Conversation with Your Kids - The Birds, the Bees, and Beyond

Kottie Christie-Blick, a climate change education consultant, course instructor for the University of San Diego, California, and mother, shares her views in this commentary.

Call to Earth, a CNN editorial series, focuses on reporting and addressing the environmental challenges our planet is facing, as well as highlighting potential solutions. Through the partnership with Rolexs Perpetual Planet initiative, CNN aims to raise awareness, provide education on sustainability issues, and motivate positive action.

Parents often fret about the right time and approach to broach the subject of sexuality with their kids. They ponder over their children's readiness, the level of explanation to provide, their comprehension, and their existing knowledge.

Yet, the truth remains that the information is readily available. It pervades the news, finds its way into educational institutions, echoes throughout social media platforms, and weaves itself into the narratives of literature and television. Not only are adults engaged in these discussions, but children are as well.

Referring to climate change and its impact on plants, animals, and people globally, it is crucial for us to directly confront this issue. Although you may wish to reassure your children that climate change is not their concern, the reality is that it is already here. Its effects are evident to all, with many of us experiencing its consequences, and it is only expected to worsen. The severity of the situation will be determined by our ability to promptly decrease the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Kottie Christie-Blick

Children should learn about climate change from trusted sources such as parents, science teachers, climate scientists, and reliable sources. It is important to have open and honest discussions with them, addressing their questions and concerns in a transparent manner.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals. Elaborate on the reasons behind the rising temperatures of our planet and the consequent alterations in our weather patterns. Enhance your knowledge by referring to trustworthy online sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA, which are authoritative US government agencies.

Alternatively, engage in research alongside your children. Visit my website called "Kids Against Climate Change," where you will find articles and videos specifically designed for children of all age groups. Initiate discussions around the content you have consumed, including both the factual information and the emotions it evokes.

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When your children show anxiety about climate change, validate their concerns and provide them with accurate information. Let them know that adults are actively working towards slowing down climate change. Project Drawdown showcases numerous effective measures to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including the replacement of gas-burning stoves, ovens, furnaces, and boilers with electric alternatives. Explore the website together and discuss your preferred concepts.

However, it is important to recognize that this alone is insufficient. It is essential for everyone to adopt a mindful approach towards sustainable living, ensuring that the Earth's precious resources such as trees, clean water, and clean air are not depleted.

The initial step to embark on this journey is by minimizing waste, be it electricity, water, or food. It is crucial to switch off lights when they are not necessary, limit the use of air conditioning and heating, reduce water consumption, and only take the amount of food that will be consumed. Emphasize that implementing these practices not only benefits the planet but also contributes to saving money in the family's savings.

Home and school can offer opportunities for children to learn about climate change.

Actions speak louder than words, so it's important for your family to actively strive to use less. Create a list of climate-friendly actions and display it on the refrigerator. Examples include turning off the water while brushing teeth, recycling, composting food scraps, and unplugging chargers when not in use. Encourage family members to check off the actions they have completed. To make it more engaging, allow your children to decorate the chart with a colorful environmental theme. If you want to take it a step further, consider installing solar panels on your house or purchasing an electric car to impress your children and give them something to boast about at school.

Look out for signs of people reducing their carbon footprint as a family. Discuss what you observe in your community on a daily basis, such as electric cars and buses, newly planted trees, and shoppers using reusable bags. If your family enjoys competition, keep a tally sheet to count how many people spot environmentally friendly actions. Dedicate time to nature with your children, whether it's in your backyard, local park, forest, or seaside. Embrace the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world. Your happiness and sense of exploration will inspire your children to appreciate the beauty and wonders of the environment, encouraging them to protect it.

While there are young individuals motivating others to prioritize environmental stewardship, children don't have to initiate a movement to make a positive impact. All they need to do is communicate. Encourage them to advocate for sustainable living and remind everyone they know to reduce waste and take action to decrease their contribution to environmental pollution.

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However, it is crucial to acknowledge that merely taking these measures is insufficient. The responsibility for reducing environmental impact lies not only with individuals but also with oil companies, technology and utility companies, the transportation sector, manufacturers, governments, investors, philanthropists, and organizations like the United Nations. It is imperative for everyone to actively contribute in order to decelerate climate change.

However, these entities will not take action unless prompted by consumers and citizens. This is where your children truly require your assistance, as adults possess greater influence. Help exert pressure on these groups to assume responsibility for environmental cleansing and climate change mitigation, and make sure to inform your children about your endeavors. Do not be surprised if they applaud your efforts and commend you, as the consequences will significantly impact their future.

Openly and honestly discussing climate change with your children is the most effective approach. Additionally, fostering hope through collective action is crucial. Encourage others who have a deep affection for their children to follow suit. In addition, it is essential to discuss the impact of climate change on various animals, including the birds and the bees, and explore ways to assist them.

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