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Climate change is a huge issue impacting daily life that should be discussed more frequently and openly. After all, it affects everyone, especially younger generations who will inherit this world. By teaching your kids about the factors affecting climate change, you won’t only be educating them about what’s happening in the environment, but also empowering them to make a positive impact on the planet. But first, let’s recognize the elements influencing this phenomenon.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Climate Change
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, the main causes of climate change can be categorized into two: natural and human causes. Natural causes include changes in the Earth’s orbit and rotation, variations in solar activity, and volcanic activity, to name a few. But the long-term trend observed over the past century shows that human activities have primarily influenced the changes in the Earth’s climate—more specifically, because of the “greenhouse effect.”
Dubbed as the root of today’s climate change, this refers to the way certain atmospheric gasses “trap” heat on Earth, preventing it from radiating upward into outer space. These “greenhouse gasses” include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—all by-products of human activities, like burning fossil fuels for electricity generation, using gas for modern transportation, and industrial and agricultural processes.
The result? The planet is now warmer than at any other point in time—and it’s bound to get worse in the years to come. This has also triggered a ripple of environmental problems, such as seasons of extreme heat and drought, increased flooding, stronger storms, and rising sea levels.
Ways to Teach Kids About Climate Change
Since the next generation is more likely to feel the effects of climate change, arm your children with the right knowledge and strategies to address this problem and find a way to prevent further damage. Here are some age-appropriate (not to mention, fun) activities you can try with your young ones:
Join outdoor environmental activities together.
Take learning outside the classroom by organizing outdoor activities that highlight the impact of human activities on the environment. One example is to join or initiate a tree-planting activity at a local park or nature reserve. Aside from instilling a sense of responsibility in the kids, it’s also a suitable jump-off point for explaining the key role that plants play here on Earth, and how they can help offset pollution.
Schedule a carless day once a week.
Since modern vehicles give off large amounts of greenhouse gasses daily, here’s a simple way to lessen your carbon footprint and encourage physical activity among the young ones. Instead of riding the car to a nearby destination, let them ride their bikes or put on comfy shoes for a walk. While you’re at it, ask them to observe their surroundings and marvel at the sights and sounds they don’t usually notice while in the car—like the flowers by the sidewalk or the chirping of the birds. Don’t forget to talk about the pros and cons of modern transport, so they’ll better understand the why behind this new habit.
Implement sustainable practices at home.
Teaching kids about climate change is not just about raising awareness but also about empowering them to take action. Encourage sustainable practices at home, school, and in the community by leading by example. Involve them in eco-friendly activities such as composting food waste, reducing energy consumption, and using reusable products. By instilling eco-conscious habits early on, they can grow up to become responsible stewards of the planet.
Read books and watch movies that tackle environmental issues.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas in a simple and relatable manner. That said, you can use age-appropriate books, videos, and documentaries to tell stories about the impact of climate change on people, animals, and the environment. Some flick picks for you: Ice Age: The Meltdown, Adventure Planet, and the documentary An Inconvenient Truth (ideal for kids 13 years old and up). You can also explore other kid-friendly shows and movies on Netflix and DaVinci Kids.
Take advantage of fun and interactive resources online.
Use technology to engage tech-savvy kids in learning about climate change. There are plenty of educational websites offering simulations and activities that teach children about climate change in an interactive way. NASA's Climate Kids, for example, provides age-appropriate resources, videos, and games that explain complex concepts—such as carbon cycles and ocean acidification—in a way that young minds can easily understand.
Making a Change Today
It’s important to inspire a generation of eco-conscious individuals to protect the planet. Like you, Globe cares about the Earth and is keen on promoting and implementing sustainable practices. With Globe, you can enjoy paperless billing through the GlobeOne app, which you can easily download on your mobile phone, and carry out cashless transactions through GCash.
You can also join GForest, Globe’s initiative to restore Philippine forests. By using GCash for daily transactions, you earn points to help plant trees. Every action, big or small, adds up. By teaching kids about the factors affecting climate change, you’re empowering the next generation to be responsible guardians of the planet.
