This April & May, we are focusing on Climate Justice at Brooklyn Public Library in our programs for kids and educators! We hope to see you at an upcoming event.
Climate justice means treating everyone fairly, especially people who are affected most by climate change, like floods or heat. It’s about making sure no one is left out or treated unfairly when we make decisions to protect our planet. Climate justice works to stop the things that cause climate change and hurt people, so everyone can live safely on a healthy Earth.
It can be daunting to discuss such topics with kids. It is natural for challenging issues like climate change to engender big questions and big feelings in children. Reading books about the topic is a great way to share information with kids and we have put together a booklist to help you get started. But don’t stop there! Make sure you take the time to talk about the topic together. Here are some suggestions for how to discuss it with different ages:
Children 0-3 years:
At this age, you want to help kids name and label the natural world and help them understand our connection to it.
Point out and talk about the plants and animals, even a big city. This will lay a good foundation for things to come.
Suggested activity: Take a Nature Scavenger Hunt! Use this sheet to look for nature around you. Use your smartphone to record what you see.
For children 3-5 years:
Helping children understand how connected we are to the natural world is key at this age, particularly where the food and water we need comes from.
Talk about the need for humans to help our planet in ways they can understand, like cleaning up our trash and messes outside to help plants, animals, and the environment.
Introduce the idea that people are impacting the environment and climate but stress that many people (even kids!) are working to solve the problem, and it will take all of us working together to address it.
Suggested question: "Have you ever helped take care of a garden or plants? What do you think we can do to help the Earth and make sure everyone has enough food?" (This question helps kids connect with nature and think about ways to care for the Earth, which is directly tied to climate justice.)
For Children 6-12 years:
Ask what they know about Climate Change and dispel any myths or incorrect information they may have.
Ask what questions they have about climate change. If you don’t know the answers, that’s ok. Say: “I’m not sure, but let’s find out together.” The Library is a great place to start your search!
Ask how they feel when they learn about climate change and the impact it is having on our planet. Acknowledge their feelings. Stress that many people are working hard (including kids!) to address the issue, and it is going to take all of us to working together to solve the problem.
Ask them for their ideas for things they can do to mitigate climate change at home, in their school, and in their community.
Suggested questions
"Why do you think some people and animals have a hard time finding food and water, especially when the weather gets really hot or it rains too much?" (This question opens up a discussion about how climate change affects different communities, especially those that have fewer resources.)
"Did you know that some people who live in faraway places are already having trouble with floods or fires because of the climate? What do you think we can do to make sure everyone is safe?" (This helps children understand that climate change impacts people in different parts of the world, especially those who don't have as many tools or resources to protect themselves.)
"There are people who are working really hard to protect the Earth and help others. Do you know anyone who has helped keep the Earth safe? What would you do if you were in charge?" (This encourages children to think and learn about the leaders in the climate justice movement, particularly BIPOC activists who have lead Climate Justice movements for a long time, and invites them to imagine their role in making the world a better place.)
Family-Friendly Activism
1 . Write a Letter to an Elected Official: Children can team up with a parent to write a simple letter to a local or state official, asking them to support actions that protect the Earth and help communities affected by climate change. They can draw pictures or write about what they care about, like clean air, water, and helping those in need. And it is a great way for kids to practice their writing skills!
2. Attend a Climate Justice Protest or Rally: Kids can join their families at a climate justice protest or direct-action event. Climate Families NYC is a great local Climate Justice Organization that includes kids of all ages in meaningful climate action. Creating art, signs and banners for the event with meaningful messages about Climate Justice is a great way for kids to be included.
3. Organize a Sustainability Event: Kids can team up with their families to organize a neighborhood clean-up event where they pick up trash in a local park or block, or a swap where people can donate gently used clothes or toys. These kinds of events help kids learn about ways we can live more sustainably.
Book lists
Websites
Talk to children about the climate crisis (Our Climate Kids)
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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