Raising Resilient Children in the Face of Climate Change: Insights from CNN's Bill Weir

The human-made climate crisis is causing record-breaking heat, rising sea levels, and increasingly extreme weather events. It can feel daunting to think about raising children in such a world, but perhaps it is still a good time to have them if we can replace fear with knowledge and hope.

I had a chat with Bill Weir, CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent and host of the CNN Original Series “The Wonder List with Bill Weir,” discussing various topics including his new book, “Life As We Know It (Can Be): Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World,” which he wrote as an open letter to his own kids.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

David Allan: Are you generally an optimist or pessimist?

Bill Weir: It varies. I've noticed that my mood is closely tied to what I'm reporting on. Some days, it's overwhelming to see all the negative impacts humans are having on the planet.

But on the days when I focus on the problem solvers, the dreamers, the doers, the folks who know that there’s a better future, those are the days that heal the soul.

When I sat down to write this book, we were in a very dark place nationally. Despite this, I found enough positive stories and saw enough momentum going the right way that most days I wake up now with more wonder than worry.

The fight has just begun, and so much can be saved. And so much is worth saving. That’s the ethic I’m trying to pass down to my kids: to be clear-eyed about the challenges, but full of courage and hope for the solutions.

Allan: On one hand, you wrote “The United States of America I knew and loved is gone … eaten from the inside by metastasized lies fed to furious people in forgotten places.” On the other hand, you intentionally had a child in the last few years. What would you say to someone who feels conflicted about having a baby right now?

Weir believes that we should welcome all the help we can get. If you think your child will contribute positively to society, then go ahead and have them. He thinks that our main goal in life is to have children. Nature aims for reproduction and hopefully, progress for the future generation.

BirthStrike: The people refusing to have kids, because of ‘the ecological crisis’

Thinking about whether or not to have children may seem like a luxury problem in developed countries. It can be a difficult decision for many individuals, as the impact of climate change weighs heavily on their minds. The psychological burden of facing this crisis is real, and it's understandable why some may choose not to have children. We are still coming to terms with the emotional toll of climate change, and it's important to acknowledge the stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – as they relate to the environment. Only by reaching acceptance can we move forward to create a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

There are family counselors who help parents coping with grief and still wanting to expand their family but are unsure about the future. It's a valid concern, and I used to feel the same way. However, having my little boy here has given me inspiration and perspective that I wouldn't have otherwise. I believe that humans can make a positive impact on the planet, and it all boils down to the stories we tell ourselves.

Allan: A recent survey found that 84% of young people aged 16 to 25 in 10 countries are worried about climate change. Many of them feel sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty about it. Over 45% say these feelings negatively impact their daily life. You mentioned a similar study in your book. What message would you share with these teens and young adults, especially since your daughter falls within that age group?

She’s 20 years old. We apologize for the impact, both intentional and unintentional, that have affected the future of younger generations. They can't take basic necessities like air, water, shelter, and food for granted like I could. It's important for them to be aware of and appreciate these things.

My father always told me, "It's a good thing you're tough," whenever I faced challenges. We need to raise resilient children and show them by example what resilience looks like. We must always be prepared for unexpected disasters and have conversations within our communities about how to handle them.

I believe that the recent increase in climate anxiety seen in these polls is largely due to a lack of open discussions on the topic. Adults not having honest conversations about what we stand to lose, what is worth preserving, and the tough decisions we must make, as there are no longer any easy choices. We must engage in difficult calculations to determine what is worth protecting and what we may need to let go of. I think it is only through these dialogues that we can navigate through the five stages of climate grief and eventually reach acceptance.

Allan: I am intrigued by the beautiful detail you shared about the birth of your son, River, who was conceived in a lighthouse during the pandemic. This serves as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing a guiding light of hope amidst darkness. Expanding on this metaphor, lighthouses are constructed to endure the harshest of natural elements and are often situated in isolation, requiring self-sufficiency. Do you believe that self-sufficiency and resilience are qualities that parents should now prioritize more?

My dad was a bit of a loner who enjoyed being by himself. He instilled in me a romantic idea inspired by John Muir, the idea of living in a cabin in the woods. However, it's important to recognize that John Muir was using tools made by others who were not able to live off the grid like he did. It's essential for everyone to come together and work as a team in today's world.

Teaching resilience and independence as personal qualities is crucial. But I also want my children to be connected to their communities and actively involved in civic matters. I want them to understand their influence as citizens and make informed choices as consumers. I hope they become the type of neighbors who support and empower those around them, no matter what challenges arise.

Allan: As a parent myself with two children aged 12 and 16, I often discuss the climate crisis with them. I try to share a message of hope, highlighting the potential for positive change through government actions, scientific advancements, and inspiring stories of individuals making a difference. How can we honestly address the issue without leaving them feeling hopeless?

Weir: Finding the right balance is something I strive for every day. One valuable piece of advice I received on navigating the climate conversation in my personal life was from Mr. Rogers. He encouraged looking for the helpers in times of crisis, those individuals who step up to make a positive impact. This book is a tribute to not only the first responders in disaster situations but also to the many unsung heroes quietly working towards a better future.

The helpers lift me up - the same frontal lobes that helped us evolve as a species can now help us solve the problems we face when we work together. With our collective effort, there is a lot that we can achieve and a lot that we can preserve.

Editor's P/S:

The article "Raising Children in a Climate-Changed World: Hope Amidst the Crisis" delves into the complex emotions and considerations surrounding having children in the face of the climate crisis. Bill Weir, CNN's Chief Climate Correspondent, shares his personal journey of grappling with optimism and pessimism while navigating the challenges of raising a family in an uncertain future. Weir emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-sufficiency while fostering a sense of community and civic responsibility in children.

The article also addresses the psychological burden of climate change and the emotional toll it takes on young people. Weir suggests that acknowledging the stages of grief and engaging in open discussions can help individuals navigate the complexities of climate anxiety. By focusing on the stories of "helpers" and the potential for positive change, parents can instill a sense of hope and empower children to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future. The article highlights the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit.