Young people and future generations are unfortunately the ones who are going to be hit the hardest by the climate crisis so we must do all we can to make the world a better place for them. To do so, it is important we work with them and listen to their thoughts, concerns and ideas, as well as sharing our own knowledge and experience. It is, however, difficult to know how to do this as you don't want to frighten children and young people, yet you do want to convey the severity of the current situation. To help, the BBC has created a short film which gives advice on how to communicate with children about climate change. UNICEF have also put together some advice on discussing climate change with children here.
Another way to engage children around the health of our planet, and our role in looking after it is through religious teachings. The World Council of Churches has put together a detailed document giving practical guidance and examples on this front here. Despite it being a global document, they included a snippet of the work done here in Liverpool! Islamic relief too, have put together a short policy paper on children and climate change here.
As many places of worship have close ties to schools, there may also be the opportunity to work directly with them to further any climate related education they are doing. Some ideas include:
For older children who may be more into climate activism, or are looking to make a difference, then the following guide by Voices of Youth may be worth checking out here.
Another way to engage children around the health of our planet, and our role in looking after it is through religious teachings. The World Council of Churches has put together a detailed document giving practical guidance and examples on this front here. Despite it being a global document, they included a snippet of the work done here in Liverpool! Islamic relief too, have put together a short policy paper on children and climate change here.
As many places of worship have close ties to schools, there may also be the opportunity to work directly with them to further any climate related education they are doing. Some ideas include:
- Encouraging engagement with Eco Schools or the creation of an Eco Warriors program case study from Dovedale Primary.
- Making use of any wild space your place of worship may have.
- Promoting Eco activities in a youth club here are 25 ideas.
For older children who may be more into climate activism, or are looking to make a difference, then the following guide by Voices of Youth may be worth checking out here.
