Climate Action for Kids: 7 Ways to Inspire Children Environmentalists

While it's important to give kids an age-appropriate understanding of the world and issues that affect them, this should be balanced with inspiration. Research shows that when it comes to taking action for the environment, people are typically empowered by more positive and solutions-based framing, than by doom and gloom - kids are no exception. When kdis hear stories about what other kids are doing (eg. fundraising to plant trees, lobbying for local plastic bag bans or starting recycling programs in their schools), they're motivated and excited to start initiatives of their own! 

Kids have huge hearts for the environment, but they don’t always have access to the resources they need to take action. Whether they want to start a petition or letter writing campaign, clean up litter or organize a protest for an environmental cause they care about, there are plenty of ways you can give them a helping hand. Whether it’s working with them to craft a powerful message, organizing and helping them gather materials for a safe and successful cleanup event, or harnessing their creativity to make protest signs, your assistance can springboard their ideas into action!

Our school T.R.E.E.S. Program is designed to empower teachers and homeschoolers to educate their classrooms and families about the environment. Filled with fun activities and in-depth lesson plans that range from forest fire recovery to biodiversity and why trees are important, it lays a solid foundation for any budding environmentalist. And while nobody needs to be an expert to make a difference for our planet, having a deeper understanding of nature and the threats it faces helps inform and inspire a lifetime of positive action.

Kids often feel like they don’t have a voice when it comes to climate change, but kids voices matter. From attending public hearings and town meetings to writing letters to representatives and meeting with their county and land commissions, kids absolutely can make their voices heard and make a difference. Thats how democracy works, and it’s an important lesson for them to learn. After all, as the next generation, they have an important and passionate role to play in shaping the future that they will live in.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, the average American kid spends just 30 minutes engaging in unstructured outdoor play — and over 7 hours in front of an electronic screen — each day. In addition to providing many health benefits that will help them throughout their lives, time spent in nature helps to reduce stress, improve performance in school and increase their critical thinking skills. Simply put, kids that are able to spend time in nature experience increased wellness.

In a recent study, researchers found that 98% of preschoolers tested scored at the level of creative genius. By grade school, that number went down to 30%, 12% by high school, and just 2% at adulthood. In other words, we're all born with a high intrinsic level of creativity — and now more than ever, the world needs creative people who can dream up a brighter future. Supporting kids to dream big and reimagine the world may just be our best bet.

Planting trees is a great way to give kids a tangible connection to nature and the environment. In celebration of Earth Day and Plant a Tree Day (as well as other times throughout the year), One Tree Planted offers tree planting events around the world. So be sure to check our community events page periodically so you have the opportunity to attend an event near you! Pair this with our Reforestation 101 for Kids lesson for a rich and inspiring learning experience!