The Science Moms' Guide to Climate Conversations with Kids
Feb 12, 2024
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Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fischer, members of the Science Moms, discuss concerns parents have when talking to kids about climate change. They provide tips on engaging kids of different ages and feeling confident discussing climate change without being an expert. They also address the political implications of discussing climate change and debunk various myths and facts about it. Resources and recommendations for climate conversations with kids are also shared.
Parents can foster an appreciation for the environment in young children by exploring the beauty of the natural world together.
Teenagers can channel their climate anxiety into collective activism and local impact projects.
Deep dives
Introduction of Science Moms and their Mission
Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fisher, both climate scientists and mothers, are part of the Science Moms group. Their aim is to demystify climate science and motivate everyday moms to demand climate change plans and solutions. They provide information and tools to educate and empower parents to take action for the sake of their children's future.
Talking to Kids about Climate Change
One challenge for parents is talking to their kids about climate change. Parents may feel anxious or ill-equipped to discuss the topic. The Science Moms encourage parents to explore the beauty of the natural world with their young children, fostering an appreciation for the environment. For older kids, engaging in open and curious conversations and learning together is key. Teenagers, who often feel climate anxiety, can channel their energy into collective activism and local impact projects.
Taking Collective Action
The Science Moms emphasize the importance of collective action in addressing climate change. They suggest practical actions such as swapping fossil-fueled cars for electric vehicles and transitioning to electric stoves. They also encourage parents to use their voices to advocate for change, speak up to elected officials, and engage with their communities. By demonstrating individual and collective actions, parents can model engagement and inspire others to take part.
Understanding Climate Change
The Science Moms emphasize that it is not necessary to be a climate scientist to understand climate change and take action. They simplify the science by highlighting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, leading to a warming planet and various consequences. They provide resources such as books, videos, and articles to help parents and children gain a basic understanding of climate change and its importance.
Today’s guests are Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fischer, who are part of a group called the Science Moms. The Science Moms are a consortium of climate scientists who are also mothers and who are, in their words, working to give our children the planet they deserve. They aim to demystify climate science and motivate everyday moms to demand climate change plans and solutions.
Dr. Burt is an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University with a focus on arctic clouds, radiation and sea ice, and the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion in the school's Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. Dr. Fischer is an associate professor also in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. She also serves as an affiliate faculty member for the CSU School of Global Environmental Sustainability.
A few months ago, we took to social media to see who could talk more about kids and climate change. The Science Moms were recommended by a huge number of folks that we know and trust. So here we are. Enjoy the show!
In this episode, we cover:
[2:36] Background of Dr. Melissa Burt and Dr. Emily Fischer
[7:26] An overview of the Science Moms
[9:01] Concerns parents have when talking to kids about climate change
[10:47] How to engage kids of different ages on climate
[16:39] How to feel confident in discussing climate change without being an expert
[20:09] Political implications of discussing climate change
[27:31] Myth vs. fact about climate change
[29:41] Examples of collective action for parents and kids
[33:41] Resources for learning more about Science Moms
Episode recorded on Feb 5, 2024 (Published on Feb 12, 2024)
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