Talking to children about environmental news

November has been a busy time for environmental initiatives, with the Earthshot Prize and COP29 taking place during the month.

Whilst November has been particularly busy for environmental updates and developments, the headlines are often full with stories about the climate crisis – weather events, predictions for global warming, and initiatives to tackle its impact.

News like this can stir a variety of feelings for all of us. Children may encounter news stories about the environment, and become concerned, confused or worried about climate-related events’ impacts on people around the world, and the future of the planet.

However, environmental news can serve as a productive conversation stimulus, to help children become active citizens who care about the wider world. As teachers and educators, we can engage children in these conversations in a safe, age-appropriate way.

Having productive conversations about the environment with children

News stories about the climate can be effective springboards to get children thinking about the wider world, responsibility and citizenship.

Try using these conversation starters when talking to children about climate-related news stories:

• How does talking raise awareness of climate issues around the world?

• What do you know about the Earthshot Prize? How might awards support efforts to help the environment?

• Who is responsible for the planet? Why?

• What changes can we all make to protect the planet?

• As active citizens, how can we help others who are affected by climate-related events?

Our Picture News resource about the Earthshot Prize supports assemblies and discussions in school.

Get the resource for free here.

Tips for environment-based conversations with children

The topic of global warming and the climate crisis can be sensitive for many of us. When navigating these conversations with children, consider the following.

Maintain a calm, safe space

Remember to regulate yourself and model calm behaviour when discussing news about the environment with children. Young people can often emulate the behaviour and language they see around them, so maintaining a safe space which allows for productive conversations is important.

You don’t have to know all of the answers to children’s questions. Instead, see the discussion as a chance to explore and research what’s happening in the news together.

Keep it age-appropriate

Children’s age and developmental stage may influence the amount of detail you share when explaining the climate crisis and its effect. For younger children, you may wish to use relatable, simplified explanations and examples, that still convey the importance of what’s happening. For older children, more detail can be appropriate. Photos and videos can help explain what’s happening, as they provide helpful visual context.

Create opportunities for emotional expression

Climate-based news can provoke a variety of emotions for many of us; stories can be sensitive in nature, often describing extreme weather events’ impact on others, or predicting the future of the planet.

Children may respond with many different emotions. Make sure you give children time and space to understand and reflect on what they’ve heard in the news. Remind them that they can share any worries or thoughts with you, even after your initial conversations.

Using methods such as post-its, worry boxes, smiley/emotion cards, talking prompts, and art can help children communicate how they’re feeling.

Exploring emotional responses in this way can help children develop their emotional maturity, to clearly express how they feel, know what it means to feel emotions, and know that feelings change over time.

Look for the positives – how can you take action together?

Though news about the climate crisis can often be sensitive and disheartening, it can be an inspiring source.

Using the news, children may learn about community responses to an extreme weather event, or how people are working together to protect the planet. News stories like these have the potential to motivate children to get involved, act, and make a difference to the world around them.

Be sure to facilitate and nurture any interest or passion children show for looking after the world, and support them in growing their global awareness. Remind them that big impacts can start with small actions!

Think about how, together, you can raise awareness and protect the planet. Why not embark on a peaceful protest, creating posters, writing letters or learning more about the climate crisis?