The world is in a state of transition. The days of using fossil fuels like coal and oil are coming to a close, and renewable energy sources like wind and solar are rapidly taking over.
This is to combat the effects of climate change and global warming while providing affordable electricity to everyone worldwide. We are heading for a sustainable future, but there is resistance.
Big coal and oil will not go down without a fight, and there is plenty of misinformation out there that aims to discredit the green energy industry.
For the transition to be successful, to win the battle against climate change and achieve a sustainable future, the next generation needs to carry the torch. So how do you cut through the misinformation and educate the next crop of leaders on the importance of renewable energy solutions?
Discover what they already know
Before developing a plan, it is vital to determine what facts and myths are already swimming around in your children’s heads. This will give you the base platform to operate off – understanding what they already know and the areas that will need to be worked on.
Your kids likely know more about the topic than you think as the message is everywhere, through television programming, apps and YouTube channels. The challenge may be unravelling any misinformation that has been imprinted on them.
Learn together
Chances are you are not a climate science expert. You can do lots of research on your own to become an authority on the topic, but this is an opportunity to work with your children. Learn together, make it fun and include toys and games, discover family-friendly resources together, and it will be more enjoyable for all parties.
Use emotions
Children are unlikely to retain a lot of information when they are clobbered with hard science. Get to know how they feel about the crisis and ask them how they feel about it impacting their favourite animals and places. Most of all, though, inspire hope.
You don’t want to sugar-coat the issue or offer false platitudes about how everything will be all right. The consequences of inaction should be outlined, but there should be a strong message that the power is in their hands. Inspiring hope will inspire action.
Start early with childhood education books
Reading to a child before they start school has a proven impact on their future ability to retain information and cognitive ability.
Introducing them to climate change doesn’t have to be dry or serious either. There is a range of resources available that have been tailored for young children, including:
- The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal by New York Times bestselling author and creator of Awkward Yeti Nick Seluk
- Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet from bestselling author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst
- Climate Change: A Hot Topic, written by Dan Green and is part of the Basher Science
For this range and more, check out the Energy Matters Marketplace, with our range of environmentally-friendly devices and resources that can help improve your carbon footprint.
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