Talking with Kids About Climate Change

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Climate change is a tricky topic. We know that the statistics and forecasts are daunting. The environmental impact of global warming is one of the most pertinent issues facing humanity. And our kids will inherit this challenge as they grow up.

But we don’t always know how to talk to kids about it. What role can they play in helping our planet, now and in the future? How do we convey the reality of the situation without creating fear?

Talking with children about climate change can be difficult, but we can encourage environmental awareness without overwhelming them.

 

Think Age Appropriateness

While we don’t want to underestimate kids’ ability to understand complex topics, we also need to remember that they don’t think the way adults do. Climate change discussions often revolve around historical time frames, geographical locations, and global issues. But concepts such as time, size, and distance are viewed very differently through the eyes of a child.

For example, when we hear about changes expected to happen in the next decade, adults may feel a sense of urgency. But for 10-year-olds, a decade feels much longer—it’s literally a lifetime for them. We need to keep these differences in mind when talking with kids about what’s happening with Earth. Numbers and figures may not be as meaningful as broader concepts, such as caring about animals whose habitats are threatened, reducing pollution so we can all breathe clean air, and making sure everyone has clean, safe water to drink. 

 

Start Small and Expand Outward

It’s never too early to start encouraging kids to help the environment. Very young children can be taught sustainable habits at home, such as turning off lights and not wasting water and paper, without understanding the larger implications of those practices. As they enter elementary school, kids can learn more about how and why those habits make a difference and get involved in community efforts, such as river clean-ups or local recycling programs. And older kids can become active agents of change on a larger scale, helping communities come up with new ideas to help protect our planetary home.

 

Look for Positive Angles

When addressing environmental problems, it’s easy to slip into a somber mindset. Indeed, if unsustainable habits go left unchecked on a global scale, our future could be pretty bleak. That’s why it’s so important that younger generations understand these issues.

But painting a frightening picture of the future isn’t an effective way to motivate kids. They might feel as if the problem is too big or that it’s too far advanced for individual actions to make a difference. Focusing on all of the scary things that might happen leads to fear, which isn't the healthy motivation we want kids to act upon. We can convey the urgency of the situation while empowering kids with stories of progress and innovation. Share initiatives like earth-friendly technology or success in rescuing threatened species.

 

Inspire Awe and Wonder

A positive approach to encouraging environmentalism includes showing kids the wonders we need to protect. Explore the great outdoors with them. Watch documentaries about animals, the oceans, and other marvels of nature. Help them fall in love with the beauty of our amazing Earth. Connection with nature and hope for the future can be joyfully motivating.

Most religious communities are involved in interfaith efforts to help the environment. Praying together for Earth and sharing with kids relevant teachings from your faith can help. For example, the Bahá’í writings encourage us to look for signs of God in His creation: “Know thou that every created thing is a sign of the revelation of God . . . nothing whatsoever in the whole universe can be discovered that doth not reflect His splendor.” Kids and adults alike can think of protecting the environment as preserving God’s beautiful handiwork.

 

Get Specific about Action

Kids tend to think concretely, so it’s important that they know exactly what they can do to help Earth. Abstract ideas like “conserving resources” or “making sustainable choices” sound good, but they may be hard to absorb.

Make a list of specific actions your family can focus on, such as “Turn off lights when no one is in the room,” “Don’t run the water when you brush your teeth,” or “Always put paper in the recycling bin.” Consult as a family about tasks to add. As kids learn more about why such habits are important, they’ll be proud that they already make an active difference.

 

Watch Consumerism

Our habits as consumers have a huge impact on the environment. In the U.S., the average person generates 4.5 pounds of garbage a day. Americans are using up natural resources at the rate of five Earths a day!

One way we can lessen that impact is by teaching kids that life isn’t about accumulating stuff. We can cut down on the amount of things we purchase and use, especially disposable items. Educate kids about where products come from and where trash ends up. Explain your thinking as you choose items with less packaging and bring your own bags to the store.

Studies show that life experiences make us happier than things. So when it’s time to give a gift or reward a child, a trip to a museum or a park may have a more lasting impact than a new toy.

 

Listen to Kids' Concerns

Undoubtedly, your kids will find out about environmental problems from school, friends, and the media, in addition to what they learn at home. Climate change is a complex issue, and getting bits and pieces of incomplete information may cause some confusion and anxiety.

Invite kids to share their feelings. Listen to what worries them, and don’t downplay their concerns. At the same time, try to respond with positivity. We don’t need to sugarcoat reality, but we do need to be a voice of hope. We can help kids muster the ongoing energy to confront Earth’s challenges.

 

When talking to kids about the environment, our key goals are to impart knowledge, encourage sustainable action, and instill a sense of hope. These are the best tools we can give our children to combat climate change and to build a healthy future for our planet.

You may also want to check out Brilliant Star’s latest award-winning issue on the environment, Harmony with Nature, for kid-friendly stories and activities.

 

Annie Reneau is a homeschooling mom of three, lover of chocolate and travel, and former assistant editor with Brilliant Star. She now works as associate editor at Upworthy/GOOD and shares her personal musings on life and parenting at Motherhood and More.

 

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Updated on 9.21.25