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The emotional toll of climate change is broad-ranging, especially for young people
As climate change continues to impact communities globally, many young people face increasing eco-anxiety and distress, leading to sleeplessness, grief, an inability to focus and worse. Experts have identified a range of strategies to build resilience and help manage emotions, including being active in your community, seeking positivity and modeling sustainable behaviors. “A lot of times, the anxiety and the hopelessness comes from a feeling of powerlessness. And I don’t think any of us is powerless,” reflected climate scientist Kate Marvel. “I think collectively, we’re incredibly powerful.” The Washington Post.
Read MoreBroganville Farm wants to spread joy on the far east side
If you spend time on the far east side of metropolitan Indianapolis, Indiana, you might see… a horse? Nestled between residential neighborhoods is Broganville Farm, a Black-owned family farm, home to horses, goats, miniature cows and a large vegetable garden. Through community partnerships, educational programs and events, Broganville teaches kids about farm life — how to care for livestock, grow food and spend more time outside. “You see sometimes people say, ‘Black people don’t do this’ or, ‘you can’t have a farm in the city,’” said owner Kadeem Brogan. “But here we are, in the middle of Indianapolis… We just try to bring the country to the city, expose our kids to something different.” Mirror Indy.
Read MoreOutdoor preschool advocates worry proposed rules under new law could shut them down
Last year, Colorado became the second state, following Washington, to approve state licenses for outdoor preschools. Advocates of the new law hoped it would expand access to nature-based early learning — including allowing low-income families to get up to 30 free hours at outdoor preschools. As part of the new law, Colorado proposed rules to govern outdoor preschools, but advocates with the Colorado Collective for Nature-Based Early Education say the new rules are too restrictive and will make it difficult for outdoor preschools to function. CPR News.
Read MoreFirst time in 100 Years: Young kayakers on a ride for the ages
After decades of activism resulting in the removal of four major dams, the Klamath River now flows freely from Oregon to the coast of northern California. A group of mostly Indigenous youth, ages 13 to 20, now plan to kayak the more than 300-mile route from headwaters to coast — a journey not possible for the past 100 years. They will paddle through the ancient territory and homelands of their tribes — the Klamath, Shasta, Karuk, Hoopa Valley and Yurok among them. Many participants trained for this moment through summer white-water kayaking programs and tribe-led classes on activism, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge. “We have an opportunity to redefine what our relationship to the river is,” said John Acuna, a member of the Hoopa Valley tribe and expedition leader. The New York Times.
Read MoreParenting in the climate crisis: how to raise kids who care about the environment
How do you talk to young people about living sustainably and caring for the planet? The answer is a tricky balance between acknowledging our environmental reality while recognizing the resilience of both humans and the rest of the natural world. Experts advise that it’s important for adults to recognize the size and scariness of the issues, and let kids feel anger, sadness and fear. However, it’s also helpful (and healing) to take positive action, and education, open-minded conversation, and time outdoors are good places to start. As filmmaker Damon Gameau says, “There’s something beautiful about the human spirit, particularly when its back is against the wall and innovation and creativity get unleashed. We’re capable of doing extraordinary and wonderful things.” The Guardian.
Read MoreHigh school sleuths search fish guts for clues to plastics pollution
In New York, fish guts are fueling environmental stewardship. Through the Science Research Mentoring Program at the American Museum of Natural History, high school juniors and seniors work alongside scientists on real research. At one school, students support an ichthyologist (fish scientist) by dissecting fish to study microplastics. “I have totally fallen in love with science,” one participant said, who now dreams of using her new skills to fight climate change. “[Climate change] is the biggest problem faced by our generation … It’s everyone’s responsibility to do what they can to fight it.” The Hechinger Report.
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