Young voices matter.
Climate Outreach is a UK based charity with a team of social scientists and communication specialists working to broaden public engagement with climate change. One of their recent projects was a study of the attitudes and perceptions of young people in Alberta. There are probably view places in Canada where there are more divergent views than this Canadian province, whose economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas extraction. The pandemic has only increased the anxiety of young people nearing the end of their secondary school education and their younger siblings also have concerns. Both groups combine high aspirations for change and are also subject to misinformation. You can find out more about Climate Action and their resources here.
Young people observe changes in the natural world. They also receive confusing narratives through social media. Their parents and teachers may have their own anxieties about what is going to happen in their province which makes conversations difficult - especially at any age when young people want to become independent in their world views - and these are already challenging times. What will their lives be like in terms of future work and life style?
After surveys and workshops with both middle school and high school students, this report has many good findings and recommendations than apply to a broader audience. I’ll note a few and continue with others over the coming days. They start with principles for educators - which can include both family members and teachers.
Acknowledge that we are all anxious no matter whatever are age
Build climate literacy. This needs to be the focus
Learn about all forms of energy and how each contributes to climate change
Make the conversations relevant to the issues in the lives of students - future education, job choice, lifestyle options.
Know the real values of the students and relate the conversations to them
Images matter. Find good and relevant ones to make the point
Develop the right vocabulary and use it consistently.
Make the science relate to practical hands on skills that students can practise.
Respect family backgrounds and the views that they may present
Ensure that resources are up to date since these are changing rapidly.
These are good principles for learners of any age. More on this will come soon.