Climate change is one of the many dire threats parents face.
That message comes as four leading climate experts, who are also mothers, recently participated in an educational webinar to share how parents can help their children weather the emotional and physical effects of the climate crisis. It was clear from this.
The talk, titled Parenting in the Climate Crisis: Self-Care, Connection, and Support, featured Anya Kamenetz of the Climate Mental Health Network. Elizabeth Bechard, Mama's Clean Air Force. Liz Hurtado of Mama's Clean Air Force and Ecomadres and Jenny Silverstein of the Climate Psychology Alliance.
Concerns about climate change are real
Young people's concerns about climate change are well documented.
The 2021 Lancet Planetary Health Survey surveyed 10,000 children and young people (16-25 years old) from 10 countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, UK and US) it was done. Participants from each country were surveyed about their feelings about climate change and their governments' responses to climate change.
“Respondents from all countries were concerned about climate change (59% were very or very concerned and 84% were at least moderately concerned). More than 50% said they felt sad, anxious, , reported feelings of anger, helplessness, helplessness, and guilt,” the report states.
Four experts who participated in a recent panel discussion touched on many of the issues parents have regarding climate change and their children.
“For some parents, accepting the challenges of climate change can be a catalyst for personal growth, meaning, and hope,” Bechard said.
She also mentioned concerns about young people and moral injury.
“Climate change and government inaction are chronic stressors that can lead to significant long-term stress, with negative impacts on children's mental health,” Burchard said.
She added that parents are experiencing climate distress, a moral injury, because climate change threatens the fundamental principle of parenting: supporting children.
Hurtado cited a Yale University study showing that Hispanic Americans and African Americans are more likely to be concerned about the climate because they are more exposed to air pollution depending on where they live. She added that they are likely to experience extreme weather.
“Communities of color are disproportionately affected by pollution,” Hurtado said. “They are more likely to live near highways and highly polluted areas. They are hit hardest by residential segregation. Communities of color are 3 more likely to live in areas without nature.” It is twice as high, which leads to poorer health and mental health and greater vulnerability.”
Encourage change and reduce anxiety
“Parents are walking the tightrope of being honest with their children and being comforted, but also empowering them and holding them accountable to save the world,” Bechard said. “Parents worry about whether it's done right. There's no guidebook for that. There's a lot to carry in this day and age.”
Silverstein spoke about cognitive dissonance and her personal experience of constantly packing while living in an area near dangerous wildfires.
“We need the support of parents to support their children,” Silverstein said. “With our current social structure, we cannot do this alone. Parenting is stressful and difficult without support. When you add in threats like climate change, we have more resources to help our children. You need to get help.”
Hurtado joined the Mama's Clean Air Force team two years ago and said the powerful women continue to motivate her.
“This is a collective action,” Hurtado said. “We are thinking of ways to contribute. We can teach children how to recycle and compost. Working together is so powerful and for me it was life-changing. . Nature is what I tend to pursue.”
Mr. Silverstein spoke of “windows of tolerance.”
“Where is there within ourselves that we can accept all this information and still be able to cope and function?” she said. “For me, one of the criteria when times are tough is to get back into rhythm. Walking, running, or listening to my favorite music calms my body and helps me.”
Silverstein also said to find people in your community who share your passion.
What CT can learn from other states' climate change policies
“We encourage people to clean up rivers, march in protest, plant trees, and you'll find someone who cares as much as you do,” Silverstein said.
“Taking action with others is important and deeply healing,” Bechard said. “You can feel alone when you talk about climate change and people look at you blankly or change the subject. Find someone who can help you take action.”
Bechard said no one is surprised by the number of women participating in discussions about climate change.
“Studies have shown time and time again that women are more worried about climate change than men,” Bechard said.
She said parents need to check in with their children's feelings about climate change.
“We don't want to tell them it's going to be okay,” Bechard said. “Young people feel betrayed by older generations. The way to support young people is to take action on climate change themselves…I take this issue seriously and they are giving up their future. I want them to know that that's not what they deserve. That's what they deserve.”
As far as talking to younger children, Silverstein said it helps them fall in love with the world.
“Connect them with other living things and strengthen those connections,” Silverstein says. “Children love stories about animals. They want a connection to more than just the human world. They care for the earth by turning off the water and turning off lights when they're not using it.” Please show me how.”
