children
Newsletter
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Teachers adapt to address emotional impacts of climate change
Educators are increasingly focusing on trauma-sensitive approaches to help students manage the emotional effects of climate change.
Nathalie Reid, Audrey Aamodt, and Jennifer MacDonald write for The Conversation.
In short:
- Teachers are noticing rising climate anxiety among students and are adopting trauma-sensitive methods to support them.
- Professional development for educators includes outdoor learning, interdisciplinary inquiry, and balanced climate action strategies.
- Sharing hopeful stories and focusing on community-led climate initiatives helps nurture a forward-looking mindset.
Why this matters:
Climate change education that acknowledges and addresses students' emotional responses can foster resilience and hope. As young people face an uncertain future, equipping them with strategies to cope with climate trauma is essential for their mental health and engagement in meaningful climate action.
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Hawaii agrees to a zero-emission transportation deadline
Hawaii has reached a legal settlement with young climate activists, requiring the state to achieve zero emissions in its transportation sector by 2045.
In short:
- The lawsuit, filed by 13 young people, claimed Hawaii's transportation policies violated their constitutional rights by contributing to climate change.
- The settlement mandates Hawaii to fully decarbonize its ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation by 2045.
- This agreement includes oversight by the court to ensure compliance and faster progress towards emission reduction goals.
Key quote:
“This is an extraordinary, unprecedented victory for the youth plaintiffs.”
— Michael Gerrard, faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University
Why this matters:
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing climate change by targeting transportation emissions, a major contributor to greenhouse gases. It also demonstrates the power of youth activism in influencing environmental policy.
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Countries neglect children in climate adaptation plans
Many countries' climate adaptation plans fail to address the specific needs of children, with one-third not mentioning them at all, a new study finds.
In short:
- A study of 160 countries shows 28% of national climate adaptation plans do not mention children.
- One-third of plans that mention children only address a single area, such as education, with none addressing mental health.
- Experts cite a lack of advocacy, funding, collaboration, and data as reasons for this oversight.
Key quote:
“Children’s mental health is a crucial public health concern that requires immediate action.”
— Kathrin Zangerl, pediatrician and the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health
Why this matters:
Children are uniquely susceptible to the impacts of climate change, from heatwaves and flooding to food and water insecurity. Yet, despite their heightened vulnerability, the study found that policymakers often overlook the distinct challenges children face. This omission could have serious long-term consequences, not only for their health and development but also for their ability to thrive in a changing world.
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Chicago teachers push for climate initiatives in new contract
The Chicago Teachers Union demands climate-focused upgrades like solar panels and electric buses in their new contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools.
In short:
- The CTU's contract proposal includes solar panels, heat pumps, and electric buses to combat climate change impacts on over 500 schools.
- Negotiations, held publicly, revealed both sides agree on the need for climate action but struggle with funding the necessary changes.
- Chicago schools face significant infrastructure challenges, with many buildings over 80 years old and high climate-driven maintenance costs.
Key quote:
"Chicago’s buildings, including school buildings, are a major source of carbon emissions."
— Lauren Bianchi, Chicago teacher and chair of the CTU’s Climate Justice Committee
Why this matters:
This shift could lead to a healthier environment for schoolchildren. Solar panels and electric buses reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a direct impact on the health of students, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbated by pollution.
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Opinion: Summer heat poses health risks for children
With Ontario's extreme heat warnings and wildfire smoke in the West, parents need to rethink when they let kids play outside this summer.
In short:
- Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults due to their slower cooling mechanisms and inability to recognize thirst.
- Many schools in Toronto lack central air conditioning, forcing children into hot, uncomfortable environments during heatwaves.
- Urban areas with low-income and racialized residents often lack natural cooling elements like trees and green spaces.
Key quote:
"We might not realize kids feel even worse than we do during a heatwave — and we’re definitely not doing enough to address the climate emergency that puts them at such great risk."
— Denise Balkissoon, The Narwhal
Why this matters:
Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, release pollutants that travel thousands of miles, affecting air quality in regions far removed from the flames. Meanwhile, extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, a direct consequence of our warming planet. Extreme heat poses serious health risks for children, especially in areas lacking air conditioning and green spaces.
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Extreme heat poses serious health risks to children, experts warn
With record-breaking heat waves sweeping the nation, researchers are highlighting the unique dangers that extreme temperatures pose to children.
In short:
- Children’s bodies process heat differently than adults, with less ability to sweat and more rapid overheating.
- Extreme heat can impact children's learning, sleep, and mental health, leading to long-term health issues.
- Public health experts advise keeping children hydrated, dressed in loose clothing, and never leaving them in hot vehicles.
Key quote:
"Children are not little adults. Children and infants, especially the way that their bodies work, is different. Infants do not have the same ability to sweat. The way that their lungs work, the way that their heart pumps blood, all of those things—their bodies respond in a different way to heat."
— Mattie Wolf, neonatologist at Emory University’s School of Medicine
Why this matters:
Children are more vulnerable to heat-related health issues, which can lead to severe conditions like muscle breakdown and kidney failure. Extreme heat can have indirect effects on children's health and well-being. School closures, limited outdoor playtime, and disrupted routines can affect their physical activity and mental health. This is especially concerning as kids need regular exercise for their development, and staying indoors often leads to increased screen time, which comes with its own set of health risks.
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Opinion: Fossil fuel industry obstructs renewable energy progress
Despite renewable energy being more affordable and prevalent, the fossil fuel industry is using misinformation and lobbying to hinder its adoption.
In short:
- Fossil fuel interests are using tactics like lobbying and spreading misinformation to prevent the adoption of cheaper renewable energy.
- Renewables now produce 30% of the world's electricity, yet fossil fuel companies falsely claim they are unreliable and harmful.
- Misleading narratives and political donations are used to sway public opinion and policy against renewable energy.
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel misinformation delays the transition to renewable energy, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Armed with deep pockets and political influence, those in the fossil fuel industry are deploying strategies aimed at slowing the transition to cleaner energy. This includes spreading misinformation about the reliability and efficiency of renewables, and casting doubt on the urgency of climate change.
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