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How to Be a Resource on Climate for Your Teens
Tips for Supporting Youth Engagement in Climate Action
Do you have teenagers in your life? If so, my guess is they feel as concerned as you are, if not more so, about the impact of the changing climate on the planet.
They should worry. They are the generation who have never known a world without the impending and growing threat of climate catastrophe. They can see what lies ahead for them and are raising their voices to demand that those in power take action now.
While they are taking leadership and have moral clarity on the state of the world, it’s a heavy burden for them to carry. Like the adults in their lives, they probably feel overwhelmed by climate news on social media. They are also weary of pushing against the tide of inadequate action by leaders in the world. Addressing the climate crisis should not rest on their shoulders. They should be able to enjoy their youthful years.
Alas, being carefree about the world is not in the cards for them. Given their current reality, how do we, as parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders, support them?
Mary DeMocker, author of the Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution, says that parents have a challenging role to play as the young activists in their lives join the climate movement. Instead of abandoning them, we must join them in a way that gives them the space to lead.
We can all support the young emerging leaders around us, even if we are not parents of a teenage activist. Here are some ways that we can use our adult experience, resources, and power to empower the youth in our lives and amplify their voices.
1. Listen to Them
Actively listen to your teens and join them where they are. When you do this, you will not only learn what they are thinking and interested in, but will also lighten the emotional burden they carry about climate change.
- Be humble and let them lead the conversation. Find out what they need.
- Be open to learning from them. They…
