Why is it important to teach Climate Change Education in the early years?

By Neelima Chopra, Program & Partnership Specialist, Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC), and Sheldon Shaeffer, Chair, ARNEC Board of Directors

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. From rising global temperatures to more frequent and severe climate hazards, its impact is undeniable. While much of the focus on combating climate change has been on policy, technological innovation, and adult behaviour, an often overlooked yet crucial part of the solution lies in education, specifically, Climate Change Education (CCE) for young children. In this blog, we will explore what CCE is, why it is vital for young children, and how it can be effectively integrated into early childhood education.

What is Climate Change Education?

Climate Change Education (CCE) refers to the process of equipping individuals with knowledge about climate change, its causes, impacts and potential approaches to mitigation and adaptation solutions. CCE during early years aims to promote critical thinking, inspire responsible environmental behaviour, and build the skills necessary for active participation in tackling climate change. In the context of early childhood, CCE focuses on fostering a basic understanding of the natural world, the human impact on the environment, and the importance of sustainability.

In the early years, CCE does not mean overwhelming children with complex scientific data or discussions about global policies. Instead, it emphasizes age-appropriate activities that help children connect with nature, understand their role in caring for the environment, and develop empathy for both human and non-human life forms. It aims to cultivate a deep-rooted connection with nature that will inspire lifelong habits of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Why is Climate Change Education important in early years?

The early years are a critical period for shaping children’s understanding of their natural environment and developing positive attitudes toward the environment. Research has shown that young children possess a strong capacity for empathy, especially toward nature, and have a natural curiosity about the world around them. Yet new analysis by the GEM Report and the MECCE programme, which has now become part of the SDG global indicator 4.7.1, has also shown that curriculum and syllabi coverage of environment/sustainability, climate change and biodiversity concepts is lowest in grade 3, compared to grades 6 and 9, despite a commitment for a balanced approach across education levels.

By integrating CCE in the early years, we can nurture these qualities, instilling in children a sense of responsibility for the planet. Several reasons highlight why this is important:

1. Preparing future citizens: Children today will experience the full brunt of climate change more directly than adults. By educating them early on, we equip them with the tools to understand climate science, recognize the urgency of action, and take part in evolving climate action.
2. Fostering a connection to nature: Early childhood education emphasizes learning through exploration and play, often in nature. This presents a unique opportunity to build a connection with the natural world. Such a bond is crucial in developing a sense of care and responsibility toward the environment.
3. Emotional well-being and climate anxiety: Children can become anxious or overwhelmed by the state of the planet. But a well-designed CCE program and nature-based education can help alleviate climate anxiety, focusing on positive action, resilience, and the sense of empowerment children can derive from making small changes in their own lives and communities.
4. A foundation for long-term behavioural change: Early childhood is a time when children form habits and attitudes that last a lifetime. By teaching children about the environment and the importance of sustainability from an early age, we create a generation of individuals who are more likely to make environmentally responsible choices as adults.

Guiding principles for integrating Climate Change Education in early learning

Successfully incorporating CCE into early childhood settings requires a thoughtful and child-centred approach. The following guiding principles can help educators create effective and engaging learning experiences for young children:

1. Age-appropriate content: CCE for young children should be playful, accessible and engaging. Instead of emphasizing complicated scientific details, the focus needs to be on building a love for nature and caring for the environment, recycling, and conserving resources. Using stories, games, and activities about trees, animals or weather can help children easily grasp the basics of climate change.
2. Hands-on, experiential learning: Young children thrive when they learn through real-world experiences. Visits to gardens, rivers, or coastlines give them the chance to explore nature directly, encouraging curiosity and care for the environment. Likewise, activities such as gardening or recycling help children practice sustainable habits in meaningful ways.
3. Connection with nature: CCE in the early years can foster a strong bond with the natural world. The pedagogy of connection highlights the importance of regular and mindful engagement with nature. Children who build this relationship are more likely to develop empathy for the environment and a stronger commitment to caring for it.
4. Socio-emotional skills: Building empathy, compassion and emotional resilience is an essential component of CCE. When children learn to care for both people and the natural world, they develop a pro-social outlook that supports responsible environmental action. Simple activities, like observing animals or practicing kindness toward living creatures, help nurture a sense of moral responsibility and care for the environment.
5. Place-based education: By connecting lessons to local surroundings, children can better understand the specific climate challenges relevant to their region, making the topic more meaningful and relatable.
6. Positive action and empowerment: At the heart of climate change education is enabling children to feel capable of making a difference. Emphasis should be placed on simple, everyday actions that children can practice in their daily lives. Such actions do not only support the environment but also help children overcome feelings of helplessness, fostering confidence and a sense of agency.

Practical steps to advance CCE in early childhood

1. Comprehensive teacher training

a. Understand climate change

b. Adapt pedagogy for young learners

c. Add emotional and psychological considerations

d. Introduce local context and culture

2. Integration into early childhood curricula
a. Introduce age-appropriate concepts

b. Embed sustainability across subjects

c. Highlight local environmental issues

3. Development of resources

a. Create teacher toolkits

b. Ensure cultural and contextual relevance

c. Provide both digital and physical resources

What should we keep in mind when integrating Climate Change Education?

The inclusion of CCE in early years curricula is important, though it should be framed with deliberate care and attention to context.

Avoid overloading with anxiety: While it is crucial to acknowledge the reality of climate change, it’s equally important to avoid overwhelming children with dire predictions. The focus should remain on hope, action, and solutions.

Train teachers: Educators must be adequately trained to deliver CCE in an effective, sensitive, and credible manner. They should be equipped with the knowledge, resources, and tools to address children’s questions and concerns, while also providing accurate and age-appropriate information.

Incorporate cultural relevance: CCE should be adapted to reflect the cultural, geographical, and social context of the children. For example, teaching children in regions with specific environmental challenges, such as water scarcity or air pollution, can make the issue feel more immediate and relevant.

Conclusion

Integrating CCE in the early years is not just an educational initiative. It is an investment in the future of our planet. By nurturing a generation of children who are informed, empowered and connected to the environment, we lay the groundwork for a sustainable future. Through age-appropriate, hands-on learning and a strong foundation in empathy, children can develop the skills and mindset necessary to tackle climate challenges head-on, making a lasting impact on both their lives and the world around them.