How we can educate the future generation
- Emily Ye-Uhn Kim
- May 22
- 2 min read
It has become extremely clear that the issue of climate change is not one that will end with us, but rather something that will be shifted onto the future generations. The current toddlers, elementary school kids, and pre-teens are the next in line to bear the responsibility for preserving our planet, so how can we help them?
The simple answer is encouraging awareness. As David Attenborough said "If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it, who will?" It is crucial for us to teach the young about the environment.
Media:
There are various ways we can do this. One of the most accessible and common ways is simply by reading them books or showing them videos that incorporate nature and promote the idea of a sustainable world. Doing this allows children to interact with this message that is appropriate and understandable for them. These books can be found at your local bookstore or library. Some examples include: "The Lorax", "The Lonely Polar Bear", "What is Climate Change?" and more. In this new tech-savvy world, there is also the option of watching movies, films or even documentaries regarding this issue. Some familiar ones may include: "Octonauts: Above and Beyond", "Ice Age: The Meltdown" and "Happy Feet Two".
Ignite a passion:
Another highly effective method is igniting an interest or passion for nature within children. This is more difficult but have fulfilling rewards. Taking children on hikes, swimming at the beach, or just interacting with nature on a regular level can ignite passion for the children. This can later lead to them inherently caring more about the planet and environment. Allowing children of young age to interact with the planet will allow them to grow this passion well throughout their teenage years, and even into adulthood.
Ultimately, there are many ways in which you can encourage children to resist their urges to buy yet another plastic toy, throw away undamaged goods or unconsciously harm the planet. And while this may seem like a difficult choice, it is a crucial one, one that will impact the generations ahead. We need to make these choices, difficult or not.
Citations:
Earth.org. “15 Great Climate Change Books for Kids.” Earth.org, 3 Apr. 2024, earth.org/climate-change-books-for-kids/. Accessed 22 May 2025.
Shaw, Allyson. “Climate Change.” Science, National Geographic Kids, 31 May 2017, kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/climate-change. Accessed 22 May 2025.
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