October 11, 2023

Impacts of climate change threaten children’s mental health starting before birth

WASHINGTON — Climate change poses a particular threat to children and youth, starting before birth and potentially derailing the normal development of physiological systems, cognitive abilities and emotional skills in ways that are sometimes irreversible, according to a report released by the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica.

July 25, 2022

Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change

The aim of this review was to: (1) identify the available evidence on the topic of eco-anxiety in children, (2) clarify the mental health consequences brought by the awareness of climate change in this population, and (3) identify knowledge gaps in the literature and considerations for future research.

November 24, 2022

How to help your child cope with eco-anxiety

Parents and caregivers have an active role to play in helping children and young people cope with feelings of anxiety. It starts with being aware of the signs.

November 4, 2022

Kids and Climate Anxiety: Helping them handle big worries in healthy ways

What You'll Learn

• How can parents support kids who are worried about climate change?
• How does taking action help kids cope with anxiety?
• When might a child’s worries be a sign of a bigger issue with anxiety?

En Español

Parents & Caregivers Resources

Including: Webinar: How to Talk to Gen Zero about Climate Emotions

and downloadable PDFs:

• How to Talk to Young People about Climate Emotions // en Español
• Climate Just-the-Facts Talk Script for Elementary School Students // en Español
• Climate Just-the-Facts Talk with Middle and High School Students // en Español
• Engaging Gen Zers in the Climate Crisis: Listen, Encourage Amplify, Respect, Nurture
• The ABC's and the L's for Talking Climate with Kids
• The Climate Emotions Wheel & Activity Sheet (for kids and adults)

Why Reading Books on Climate Change are Important for Children

by AMY HOUTS  //  MAY 9, 2024

Amy writes, 'It’s important to read books on climate change to children. Why? Climate change is already happening and impacting children. Children can see it in their everyday lives... Children’s books explain complicated issues using developmentally appropriate text and illustrations ...[and make] the subject easier to think about and maybe a little less overwhelming. It is important that children’s books provide climate solutions with ideas for taking action in addition to climate facts and impacts. Being part of collective action makes climate change less frightening and supports children’s mental health.

The article links to:

• a previous post: Children & Youth Mental Health In Our Changing Climate: A Guide for Faith Leaders - also available en Español
• a simple reading guide for parents
• a list of age-appropriate climate change books
• a list of books connecting faith to climate change for children

 Watch a PBS video-read of this book here.

• Designed to be read to young children or used as a springboard for classroom lessons about air.
• Perfect for schools, libraries, and parents.
• Detailed back matter includes the science behind clean air.
• Download free lesson plans (in PDF format) to teach air-related concepts.