It’s Halloween, which means costumes, candy, and scary movies. Fear turns to fun on October 31 because Halloween lets us seek scary thrills that can’t hurt us. When we feel like threats are closing in on us and things are getting truly scary, we just turn off the TV and turn on the lights. But there is one terror that we can’t escape, no matter the time of year.

We’re talking about climate change! Here are five of the scariest, most bone-chilling facts about climate change to get you in the mood for terror this season (and hopefully also scare you and your fellow trick-or-treaters into action to address it).

1. Within the next 2 decades, global temperatures are likely to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In its highly-anticipated Sixth Report in 2021, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that a certain amount of global warming is locked in and is irreversible. They reported that from 2011–2020, the global temperature had already reached 1.1 degrees Celsius above 1850-1900 levels. 

In 2024, global temperatures rose above 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time, and if this trend persists, we will have failed to reach our climate goals established under the Paris Agreement. As climate change becomes more severe, it is predicted to increase the frequency of “fire weather”, kill 70-90% of coral reefs at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, and raise our sea levels globally by .3 meters above 2000s level.

Scientists estimate that we are on track to reach the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold by 2030 and reach the “tipping point” for climate change. Although the 1.5 degree threshold is considered by the signatories of the Paris Agreement as an acceptable level of global warming, every “extra bit of warming increases the severity of many weather extremes, ice melt and sea-level rise.” Yet, little has changed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s like the movie Don’t Look Up; we know what’s happening but we aren’t doing enough to change the outcome.

In 2019, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels and industry reached a high of 36.44 billion metric tons. In 2020, emissions from fossil fuels and industry fell by 5.8 percent due to COVID-19 and the resulting economic crisis. Despite that year’s reverse trend, however, 2022 emissions were back up to 36.8 billion metric tons. In the latest estimates from 2024, fossil fuel and industry emissions reached a new record high of 37.41 billion metric tons of CO2.

Four years later, Professor Forster’s eerie words still hold true.

2. The last 7 years have been the warmest on record

In 2023, NASA announced that the summer of 2023 was the hottest summer on record globally, surpassing the intense heat experienced in 2016. One year later, 2024 is confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the hottest year on record. 

And not only is food security severely at risk because of climate change, but our human security is as well. With temperatures rising due to climate change comes the risk of heat stress, the leading cause of weather-related deaths. 

As we enter the spooky season, the Washington Post reports that it will be an unseasonably hot one in the US. As a marine heatwave amplified by long-term global warming sweeps across the US, we are likely to experience temperatures above seasonal averages, with the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and Northeast predicted to experience 10 to 20 degree deviations.

 “Whether one year is a record or not is not really that important — the important things are long-term trends,” said Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Director Gavin Schmidt. The current long-term trend is that each year is getting hotter and hotter. 

Are you scared for our future, yet? Well get ready, because it’s going to get even scarier.

3. Our extinction rate is currently estimated to be 1,000-10,000 times the natural rate.

Imagine dressing up as a frog for Halloween and having to explain to younger generations what a frog was and why it’s gone. Currently it is estimated that  41%  of all amphibians species are at risk of extinction due to climate change — so this could be a reality if we don’t act soon.

Extinction is a natural phenomenon, claiming about five species per year. But some experts suggest we’re in the midst of the sixth mass extinction — one that is caused mostly by human activity.

According to a 2023 report, 48% of species are declining and on their way to extinction. It also revealed that the 33% of species listed as non-threatened by the IUCN Red-List are actually decreasing. By mid-century, over one third of the total species found on Earth are predicted to disappear because our extinction rate is currently 1,000 to 10,000 times the natural rate. In 2024, 21 species were declared extinct by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which tragically included the beloved Bachman’s Warbler.

Allowing this to continue is “a crime equivalent to tossing books from the Library of Alexandria thoughtlessly into a fire, erasing the shared inheritance of all mankind,” according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science in a review from 2009.

Species diversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, and without it, ecological communities will not have the strength to withstand change — especially not the change we’re throwing at them.

4. Climate change is already happening, and it’s detrimental to human life, too

The impacts to human health are much scarier than any child-eating clown movie.

Rising temperatures — coupled with cities that lack the capacity to minimize the accumulation and generation of urban heat and the increasing population of elderly — have increased heat-related deaths, according to an article published in 2024 by the World Health Organization.

A 2018 report concluded that the lack of adaptive capacities and effort toward reducing emissions threatens human lives and the national health systems people rely on, by pushing services to their limit and disrupting core infrastructure. Vulnerable communities are already being hit first and worst.

But hyperthermia is not the only risk climate change brings to human life. Pollution worsens air quality, and as of 2021, has been reported to be responsible for 1 in 8 deaths worldwide. This makes air pollution the second leading risk factor for death worldwide. 

A warming world also increases the intensity of natural disasters.

According to NASA, extreme wildfire activity has more than doubled worldwide.  This year, California saw one of the most destructive wildfires in US history in terms of loss of life, structural damages, and acres lost. In 2024, an intense wildfire in Chile killed 136 people, making it the deadliest disaster in the country since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami. Not only are the fires themselves deadly, but the smoke they produce is as well. As of this year, smoke from wildfires in Canada and the American West are predicted to cause more than 40,000 premature deaths per year. This is more than all the fatalities from car crashes in 2024. 

Hurricanes are reaching new extremes, too. According to scientists, 84% of Atlantic hurricanes between 2018 and 2023 were, on average, 18 mph stronger because of climate change. It has become immensely more difficult to escape these storms unscathed, and it will only get harder in the future.

Have you noticed that the Halloween season doesn’t feel the same either? If we can’t wear a full costume without sweating then something is wrong, right?

That’s because climate change is shifting the seasons. Over the past five decades, the vegetation season has become lengthened by an average of one month. This means that spring arrives earlier, while fall is delayed. This not only affects Halloween, but it might affect your Christmas plans too! Because of this change in seasons, many popular ski destinations around the world are forced to make their own artificial snow to stay open.

This change in season not only makes dressing up in a full-body werewolf costume uncomfortable but also disrupts the natural interactions between species, their habitats, and their migration patterns. 

BOO!

5. Many leaders still aren’t taking it seriously.

The world has been aware of climate change at least since the IPCC formed in 1988. Scientists and the public rallied around environmental policy, but many global governments had a different idea.

They were going to ignore it.

Countries contributing the most to global emissions have the best chance of curbing climate change, but leaders are doing little to address it.

Although it has been seven years since the Paris Agreement entered into force, none of the world’s major economies are on track to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

To outline steps to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change, parties submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years. February 10 was the deadline to submit updated NDCs, however, some countries failed to submit theirs, including many of the world’s major polluters. Although the US submitted their NDCs, they have since withdrawn from the Paris Climate agreement. Climate literacy is among the climate goals that have missed the mark. Climate literacy (as supported by an integrated K-12 curricula) is needed to prepare youth with an understanding of the climate crisis and skills to create solutions, yet not one country has thoroughly addressed it within its NDC.

Everyone may die at the end of horror movies, but we don’t have to.

We’re not in a Hollywood studio, helplessly in the hands of sadistic screenwriters. We can actively choose to change the ending of our story — and for that we should feel hopeful.

In 2019, younger generations took matters into their own hands and started striking for the climate. They skipped school completely to plead for an end to inaction toward climate change and demanding world leaders to undertake environmental reforms. A 2021 study revealed that 83% of people aged 16-25 feel that we have failed to take care of our planet and concluded that it is vital for governments to take “urgent” action against climate change. In June of this year, UNICEF described this eco-anxiety as “an emergent mental health problem.”

The next UN Conference of Parties (COP30) will be held this November. In this international meeting of heads of state and governments and stakeholders, countries will have an opportunity to heighten their ambition on climate change. 

After decades of inaction on climate change, we don’t have any more time to spare before it’s too late. Join the movement and add your voice to this urgent call for change. You can sign the Global Plastics Treaty petition, and spread the word to your friends! Or, you can donate to our Canopy Project, which organizes tree plantings all over the world, and take the effort not to buy clothes that promote Fast Fashion.

This Halloween we must face our fears. The human-made monster that is climate change won’t go anywhere if you just close your eyes or turn off the TV. Action and advocacy are the only way to flip the script — and not wind up like your favorite victim at the end of the horror film.

The post 5 Climate Change Facts to Scare You Into Action This Halloween appeared first on Earth Day.

The issue of climate change still somehow appears to be a polarizing issue amongst adults in America and is one of the most heavily debated topics in politics today. However, the youth of America have spoken and are perfectly clear about what they want; climate education in schools. 

This demand from younger generations highlights a shift in priorities, as they seek to address the pressing environmental challenges that will shape their future. Unlike older generations, who are often divided on the issue, today’s youth are unified in their concern and are calling for educational reforms to better prepare for the future. 

In a study of 1,000 young people aged 16-25 in the US, it was found that the overwhelming majority harbor fear towards the effects of climate change, with less than 10% of participants saying they are not worried at all. 

Despite dealing with climate anxiety, students actively want to learn more about the climate crisis and its effects, how they can lessen their own impact on it, and how they will have to adapt to the green economy. By introducing students to climate education early, we can help reduce climate anxiety by presenting the facts in a digestible and comfortable manner.  We can convey tangible solutions and encourage planet-friendly behaviors. Beyond this, the world is experiencing a notable shift towards green jobs and students who are aware of climate change and sustainability efforts will have a leg up on those when pursuing career options in the job market for high-paying jobs.

Obviously the easiest and most logical manner of instructing students on climate change would be through their schooling. Though this seems fairly obvious, the fact is that while the rest of the world largely accepts the reality of climate change, it’s still being hotly debated in some US states. Although a number of states have adopted climate education practices, such as New Jersey, there have also been actions which are counterproductive to the advancement of climate education in schools. 

One notable instance is Texas. Despite seemingly taking a step forward in recent years by mandating education on the climate crisis for eighth graders, progress was thwarted at the end of 2023 when the Texas State Education Board, (TSBE), composed of members leaning farther right than the previous board, reversed course. They rejected all but 5 of 12 science textbooks, citing their inclusion of policy solutions to the climate crisis. Notably, Texas is one of six states that doesn’t use “Next Generation Science Standards” which teaches K-12 that the climate crisis is real, dangerous, caused by humans and can be mitigated by our actions. Texas continues to lag behind in climate education.    

Another example can be found in Alabama. In 2015, it was decided that students in the state could learn about climate change as part of a process in which Alabama updated its science standards to better reflect the current state of the world. However, in 2020 these standards were revised to exclude climate change education, and any progress that was previously made was erased. 

In another backward step, in 2023, Florida approved a new curriculum which allows for teachers to show videos made by PragerU in their classes. This may seem harmless enough, as PragerU claims to be “Promoting American values through the creative use of educational videos that reach millions of people online.”  But they are the self-proclaimed world’s leading conservative nonprofit and spread climate change denial sentiments. 

The CEO, Marissa Streit, has been quoted as saying, “Young kids are being taught climate hysteria… They’re hearing that the world is coming to an end, and we think that there needs to be a healthy balance.” 

It was decided that their videos could be shown in July of 2023, the same month the founder of PragerU, Dennis Prager, stated that the purpose of the videos produced by the organization was to indoctrinate children into right-wing ideas. 

In West Virginia in 2015, state science standards were altered so that in place of anthropogenic climate change being taught as fact, the students are instructed on Milankovitch Cycles. Milankovitch Cycles are changes in the orbital pattern of Earth as it revolves around the sun, and these orbital changes subsequently alter the climate of the Earth. They are typically used by climate change deniers to highlight the fact that there are other ways in which the climate can be changing aside from the impact of human beings. There’s just one problem: these Milankovitch Cycles take place over tens of thousands of years. So in reality, these cycles cannot explain the rapid changes which we have been experiencing in recent decades. 

All of these actions limit students’ access to climate education, and these states and more (Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina) are all choosing to leave their own future workers, teachers and innovators under-educated on arguably the most important topic in the world. They are allowing their students to enter a workforce where they will be wildly unprepared. 

Luckily, these states don’t represent or speak for the majority when it comes to climate education initiatives. At this time, 20 states and the District of Columbia in the US have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which places an emphasis on the reality of climate change. In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to mandate the inclusion of climate change into their school curriculum and in 2022, Connecticut followed suit. Our newly released report Climate Educations vs The Climate Crisis, gives a global snap-shot of how the rest of the world   is supporting climate education.

If you’d like to learn more about climate education across the US and how state are choosing to instruct their students, be sure to check out our Climate Education Map.

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With only 109 days until Earth Day 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG wants to empower ordinary people to make more eco-friendly choices, combating the plastic crisis plaguing our world and championing our theme, Planet vs. Plastics. 

The National Campaign as well as our other campaigns collaborate with green cities, environmental justice groups, federal agencies, colleges and universities, and nonprofits year round to build worldwide support and awareness for a healthier planet. We believe these groups hold the power to educate, mobilize, and empower individuals in the environmental movement. 

In 2024 we are focusing on green muscle memory — a subconscious inclination towards making environmentally friendly choices through education and repetition — to achieve our environmental goals. People make small choices everyday for their own convenience, like grabbing a single-use cup from the coffee shop, but we need to take a critical look at the consequences of our decisions. 

How can we use green muscle memory as a tool to fight against plastic use and waste? Education on the reality of plastics is crucial. People must understand the extent of plastic waste on our planet, its effects on wildlife and the environment, and the undeniable toll microplastics have on human health. EARTHDAY.ORG’s campaigns are designed to educate the public and provide you with the tools to develop your own green muscle memory. 

Education 

One of EARTHDAY.ORG’s biggest priorities is educating the public on the environmental issues our planet is facing — including the plastic crisis — through our Climate and Environmental Literacy campaign. Understanding the effects of plastic waste is the foundation for further action. That is why we have numerous toolkits available on our website that explain the problem with plastics and how we can solve it. We also have guidelines, such as the End Plastics Campaign Lesson, for teachers looking to implement this crucial information in classrooms. Education is the key to helping younger generations develop instinctive eco-friendly behaviors and developing green muscle memory. 

Fashion for the Earth

One of our goals is to promote more eco-friendly fashion. Our Fashion For the Earth campaign has created toolkits to help you shop more sustainably and care for your clothing. Simple changes like buying less clothes, swapping garments with friends instead of purchasing new items, and choosing natural materials like organic cotton over polyester play a significant role in reducing synthetic fiber production. With this campaign we aim to educate consumers and supply them with the knowledge they need to adopt better fashion practices.  

Green cities

EARTHDAY.ORG has worked with local governments to develop our Green Cities campaign. We believe designing more eco-friendly communities and green cities is both a cause and result of better environmental education and awareness. Bans and taxes on single-use plastics have already been implemented in many municipalities around the world. But even smaller changes to a city’s design and policies can promote better choices — making plastic less convenient and green alternatives more attractive will allow citizens to develop instinctive practices. 

The Great Global Cleanup 

Join The Great Global Cleanup with an action as simple as picking up trash and properly disposing of it. Some people like to “plog,” or pick up trash while they run, jog, or walk. This is easy to integrate into your everyday life, but more dedicated plastic cleanup efforts make an even bigger impact. The Great Global Cleanup campaign is focused on organizing events to combat plastic pollution in local communities. EARTHDAY.ORG’s Global Map of Events allows you to browse both private and public cleanups in your area, and even register your own to attract more participants. We also have tips for organizing a cleanup event to mobilize your community and inspire further action against plastic waste. 

College campuses 

We believe that students are a crucial part of environmental education, and we are committed to helping the next generation of leaders on college campuses with our MobilizeU campaign. Student organizers can bring environmental activism to your campus and inspire your community to build its green muscle memory. MobilizeU’s online resources can help you plan plastic cleanups, sustainability meetings, and waste reduction initiatives on your campus. 

Not only should we as individuals understand what we are doing wrong now, but what we can all do to be better. We must reinforce the importance of cleaning up our plastic waste, learn how to shop for food and clothes more sustainably, and most importantly, educate young people and students so they can develop these instinctive behaviors. Join 1 billion others in the Planet vs. Plastics fight for a better future for generations to come.

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Picture this: You’re standing at the front of your classroom, met by 25 pairs of eager eyes. The energy in the room is palpable, buzzing off the walls. You have 25 minds before you, ready to absorb and poised for action. Today is not about who left gum under the chair, didn’t hand their math homework in on time or who erased the morning message — it’s about something far more consequential. It’s a conversation with the power to make most adults plug their ears and feel a knot pulsing in their stomach. Today’s topic: climate change. 

Children face both the mental impact and physical consequences of climate change, and their vulnerability is evident. Climate anxiety is a reality that many of us, across the world, are having to manage. As adults grapple with the climate crisis, it raises the question: How are children coping? The reality is many children are terrified. Instead of enjoying the simple pleasures of life  – playing outside, riding bikes, and yes let’s be honest, gaming on-line with their friends,they find themselves navigating a mental minefield. Their world seems to be unraveling right in front of them before they’ve even had a chance to fully experience it. 

We cannot leave children to process their feelings alone. It is crucial to provide a safe space where they can learn to cope, problem solve, and build resiliency. Here are 5 steps to guide conversations with children about climate change: 

Listening is a skill requiring practice. It serves as the foundation for conflict resolution and problem solving. By employing the 3 C’s — Courage, Compassion, and Connection — we can enhance our communication.

Listen

Children especially require a safe space, a listening ear, and a genuine connection. It takes courage for students to broach tricky subjects, particularly when those issues extend beyond the school environment..

One of the single most important things that adults can do, to help children process their feelings, is validate them: by providing a safe space to talk we are showing children that we not only understand their concerns but we acknowledge that these concerns are real. This shows true compassion and coupled with active listening, allowing ample time for children to express themselves, brings true connection. 

Respond

How should we respond when children ask questions or tell stories about climate change? It’s crucial to normalize feelings of discomfort. Even acknowledging our own concerns can be helpful. We should create opportunities for ongoing discussions about climate change, whether through meetings or by providing space for expressing feelings, such as through journaling. The way we respond can either keep the conversation open or shut it down, so it is important to maintain an open dialogue. To foster this open dialogue, consider using phrases like:

• “I can see how that can make you feel (insert feeling word).” 
• “That is a good observation, I can see that too.”
• “That is a normal feeling to have, sometimes I feel that way too.”

Learn Together

We have the tools to navigate this learning journey. Living in the age of technology provides us with a wealth of resources to understand climate change and understanding something always helps mitigate our fear of it. 

Teachers and parents can use activities and learning exercises to share information,—about climate change, why and where it is happening and the impacts of it on different countries and communities. . Explore science, venture outdoors for personal observations, talk to our elders, delve into documentaries and even movies, read books and articles together. Discover ways to engage in conversations about climate with children. Unpacking the facts will help us all talk about it more freely. 

Action

Action is the final key when discussing climate change. Being an active learner helps us feel confident, while simultaneously providing a sense of autonomy and identity. Students with ownership over their learning are more willing to have a positive sense of autonomy. This knowledge can empower real hands on actions -start with small steps that help children feel in control. For example, taking part in community wide trash clean ups, making recycled trash art projects, going to parks and museums, being a part of a club or school group dedicated to learning about climate change or planting a tree are great ways for students to develop a sense of self while learning how to deal with their climate anxiety. 

Look for free resources on-line where possible. As they grow older and younger children become teenagers, they may want to become more active by joining environmental campaigns and advocating for the planet, signing petitions or writing their own articles on the subject for their school newspaper. 

Grow and Grow Some More

Demonstrating vulnerability is crucial. It’s essential to openly admit to children of all ages when you don’t know something and emphasize you’re learning alongside them. Curiosity, empathy, and understanding are fostered through explicit teaching and there needs to be opportunities to continue to grow. We cannot expect students to fully comprehend every detail of climate change, and there is no reason why they should. Adults engage in learning everyday, constantly adapting their actions to change, so it is imperative for us to model the same for our students and our children.

Climate change is not going to vanish into thin air. It’s here and it’s not disappearing anytime soon. Instead of strapping in and hoping for the best, teachers and parents need to prepare children for a changing world.

The post A 5 Step Guide to Addressing Climate Change with Kids appeared first on Earth Day.

In a significant stride towards advancing climate education, India’s Ministry of Education recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with UNICEF under their ‘Green Capacities Initiative’. This initiative aims to equip teachers with expertise in climate education, empowering them to instill critical knowledge in their schools. This collaborative effort marks the initial stride in providing children with the essential tools to tackle climate change and foster a more sustainable future, fostering the development of an innate “green muscle memory”. 

Reflecting on this, I witnessed my friend’s son tackle a major milestone just last week – the moment the training wheels came off his bike. Initially, he grappled with balancing, pedaling, and steering simultaneously, resulting in more than a few tumbles. However, he persevered. Days later, I was astonished to find him effortlessly maneuvering his bike, having already transformed the process into sheer muscle memory. It was a testament to how swiftly organic learning can occur; through repetition and practice, riding a bike had become second nature to him. 

Days later, I stopped by and there he was, riding around like a professional without any difficulties and little thought — riding a bike had already become pure muscle memory for him. I was amazed at how quickly this organic learning occurred. Repetition and practice had made riding a bike second nature to him. 

This experience made me realize the incredible capacity of the human brain to learn quickly, and for that learning to remain ingrained in us for decades. With this power in mind, I considered how developing “Green Muscle Memory” could help us combat the climate crisis. 

Every day, we all take actions either contributing to or combating the climate crisis. We might grab a single-use plastic cup from a coffee shop or decide to take public transit over driving our car. We make the effort to recycle, or to turn the air conditioning off to conserve energy. Yet, most of us are not consistent; we don’t automatically have a saving-the-planet default position we gravitate towards.

But what if we did? What if we could train the next generation to always make the right choice? To grow, flex, and exercise a truly green muscle memory that makes doing the right thing for the planet our norm? So our everyday behaviors become so ingrained in our lives we are able to perform them thoughtlessly, just like riding a bike. 

What is Green Muscle Memory? 

Green Muscle Memory is the term for when behaviors that move us towards net-zero carbon occur with little or no conscious effort. We know that individuals are not responsible for, nor will single-handedly solve, the climate crisis. However, these actions add up over time and have network effects that influence our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. 

Additionally, individuals who make design and programming decisions can be influenced by their green muscle memory. For example, architects can design greener buildings, city planners can make biking more accessible and safer, and landlords can install energy efficient appliances. If we use climate education to develop green muscle memory in children today, these green behaviors will work their way into all industries in the future. 

How do we develop Green Muscle Memory? 

The key to developing any muscle memory is learning and repetition: learning slowly to forget slowly. That is why, to develop green muscle memory, climate education needs to be taught consistently to children across all subjects, from kindergarten to graduation. Currently, U.S. students only spend two hours per school year learning about the climate crisis. It is critical for our children to learn the causes of climate change so they can develop the instinctive behaviors needed to mitigate and avoid more climate disasters.  

The data supports the connection between climate education and decreases in carbon emissions. If 16% of secondary school students around the world in middle and high income countries studied climate change, it would result in cutting almost 19 gigatons of CO2 by 2050. The equivalent to removing the emissions that power nearly 80 million homes. While these metrics do need further analysis, it is clear climate education in our schools will have a direct impact on carbon emissions across the planet and initiate real change.  

At first glance, it may be difficult to connect these individual climate lessons to a meaningful decrease in CO2 emissions but learning leads to real awareness and measurable behavioral changes. For example, following Greta Thunberg’s protests that raised awareness around climate change, 30% of Swiss residents surveyed said they had made changes to their transportation, buying and recycling habits. In one country alone, that is millions of individuals making daily decisions to combat the climate crisis, or at least not add to it.

Why We Can’t Wait

Most of us have a lot of unlearning to do. We have grown accustomed to receiving single-use plastic bags, plastic utensils and straws without asking, underutilizing public transport, or contributing to the staggering amount of daily food waste. We didn’t develop these behaviors because we actively wanted to contribute to climate change; we fell victim to choosing convenience which led to bad habits harming our planet.

Luckily, we do know how we can change and prepare the next generation to fight to solve the climate crisis. Climate education is key to developing green muscle memory. And green muscle memory is critical if we want to solve the climate crisis.  

If our goal is to be net zero by 2050, we need formally integrated climate education today. And, if we do this, every child who is just learning to ride his or her bike right now will have developed green muscle memory to combat the climate crisis and make a green, livable future for generations to come.

The post Fighting Climate Change with Green Muscle Memory appeared first on Earth Day.

Countries around the world are experiencing more environmental issues each year as climate change presents new challenges and exacerbates familiar ones. However, the causes and effects of these problems are not equally distributed. The Global North — also known as post-industrial or developed countries — are more responsible for emissions and pollution. However the effects of consumption in industrialized nations are felt more directly by developing countries — also called the Global South — which often lack the funding or infrastructure to adequately handle environmental or human health problems. There are major disparities between these regions in the causes and effects of climate change and pollution. 

Post-industrial nations have disproportionately contributed to climate change

Climate change is affecting everyone across the planet, even though the culpability for rising global temperatures lies with countries contributing the most greenhouse gasses. The United States alone is responsible for 20% of historical CO2 emissions. Since the 1750s, developed nations have industrialized rapidly, and with new technology came increased carbon output. This disproportionate level of emissions has not dropped off in recent years; in 2021, these post-industrial nations were still responsible for over 7 billion metric tons of CO2 output. 

Although countries currently in the process of industrializing are beginning to emit more greenhouse gasses, the U.S. and Canada are emitting far more per capita. Some countries in industrializing regions argue that because developed nations have historically contributed more to emissions, they should bear the majority of the responsibility instead of condemning industrializing nations for their increased pollution levels. Developed countries are still falling short of their promises to fund climate solutions in the developing world. 

Plastic pollution is generated in developed countries and discarded in developing countries 

Plastic is ubiquitous in post-industrial nations — it is impossible to avoid it in our daily lives. In 2016, the U.S. and the EU generated 71 million metric tons of plastic waste. The per capita plastic waste generation of the U.S. alone was over six times that of India. Plastic waste from these countries — including materials deemed “recyclable” — are shipped and dumped in developing countries like Malaysia, which contributes 20 times less plastic waste than these wealthier nations. 

The plastic we use every day in developed countries has devastating impacts on the places where this garbage ends up. Most developing nations do not have adequate facilities to destroy the influx of plastic, forcing local workers to pile up the trash or incinerate it. This has considerable health impacts, as the garbage often contains toxins that can alter neurodevelopment, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

The fashion industry is booming in post-industrial nations at the expense of workers in the developing world 

Clothes are easier than ever to access at incredibly cheap prices. But these inexpensive goods are only available because the price is offloaded onto laborers in the Global South, who are often underpaid. Many clothing exporters are in developing countries where labor laws are less stringent, allowing the fashion industry to exploit their laborers. In places like Eastern Europe, India, and Bangladesh, workers earn far less than the legal minimum wage in these countries. 

Meanwhile, countries in the Global North import millions of dollars worth of clothing. Textile production is also incredibly harmful for the environment. Factories release high levels of harmful chemicals into bodies of water. Microplastics from synthetic clothes leech into the ocean. And poor quality, secondhand clothes are often exported back to developing countries, which are used as textile dumping grounds. Environmental and human health suffers greatly in developing countries where the textile industry continues to grow. 

Health impacts of pollution and climate change are felt more acutely in developing regions

Air pollution is one of the world’s most dangerous health risks — seven million deaths per year are attributed to the effects of poor air quality. Particulate matter in the air can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. But pollution is more harmful in industrializing countries — it is estimated over 1.4 billion people are exposed to levels of air pollution exceeding the World Health Organization guidelines, many of them residing in countries experiencing rapid population growth and industrial development. 

In addition to exacerbating existing social determinants of human health, climate change also poses new challenges for health in less developed regions. Communicable diseases are projected to increase in developing areas like China as a result of urbanization and changes to the climate. Urban sprawl in industrializing areas intensifies the effects of heat waves, causing excess mortality. It is estimated 100 million people will become impoverished as a result of climate change, further decreasing access to healthcare and healthy living conditions for already vulnerable populations. 

Extreme weather as a result of climate change will more directly affect developing nations

Extreme weather events — floods, heatwaves, droughts and storms — are occurring with relatively equal frequency in developing and developed nations. However, the lack of robust infrastructure in industrializing nations makes them more vulnerable and less resilient in the face of destructive weather. Climate change contributes to issues like water shortages, agricultural productivity, and rising sea levels — all of which destabilize developing countries. In 2022 alone, there were 81 weather, climate and water-related disasters in Asia, of which over 83% were flood and storm events. Heatwave duration and intensity has increased over parts of Africa. 

Natural disasters lead to mass displacement of “climate refugees” whose homes and livelihoods are altered or destroyed by these events. In 2019, the number of displacements as a result of environmental disasters was three times the amount of people displaced caused by conflict and violence. India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and China saw the most displacements. But the poorest citizens can often not afford to migrate, leaving them essentially stranded in unsafe areas. 

Climate change is a global phenomenon, but it is important for us to remember that those who feel the most direct consequences are not necessarily the most responsible. Yet it is possible for everyone to take action — sign our global plastics petition today and encourage the United Nations to adopt a Global Plastic Treaty that would ban the export and incineration of plastic waste in industrializing countries. Educating ourselves on climate issues is a key part of saving our planet. For more information on how EARTHDAY.ORG is working towards a more sustainable future, visit our campaigns.

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The intricate interplay between health, education, and climate establishes a vital nexus with the profound capacity to shape human well-being, sustainable development, and the future of our planet. This exploration delves into the intricate connections among these three elements and their collective influence on individuals, societies, and the environment.

Interconnected Realities of Human Existence 

Health, an essential facet of human existence, is intricately intertwined with education and climate. A robust and healthy population inherently boosts productivity, and accessible, high-quality healthcare is pivotal in enabling individuals to lead enriched lives. The evolving climate introduces both direct and indirect health implications, including escalating temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in disease patterns that impose significant health risks. This underscores the necessity of proactive adaptation strategies and resilient healthcare infrastructure. 

Education acts as a catalyst for enhanced health outcomes and addressing climate-related challenges. A well-educated populace is more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles, make informed well-being decisions, and actively contribute to sustainable practices. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills required to mitigate and adapt to climate change, cultivating environmental awareness and advocating for sustainable behaviors. 

Additionally, climate, a global phenomenon, extends its far-reaching implications to health and education. Climate disruptions have the potential to disrupt educational routines, damage critical infrastructure, and displace communities, particularly in vulnerable regions. Furthermore, climate-related health risks, such as vector-borne diseases and food insecurity, hinder learning and exacerbate existing inequalities.

Fostering Resilience

Addressing the intricate relationship of health, education, and climate requires a holistic and integrated approach, with collaboration among policymakers, educators, and health professionals being essential to devise comprehensive strategies promoting these three facets in harmony. Investments in robust healthcare systems, accessible education, and climate adaptation measures are pivotal to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all. Prioritizing these interconnected aspects can lead to improved health outcomes, enriched educational opportunities, and a more resilient response to climate challenges. 

Recognizing and acting upon these interdependencies is pivotal for fostering a healthier, more educated, and climate-resilient global population, ultimately paving the way towards a future where human well-being, sustainable development, and the vitality of our planet are mutually upheld and safeguarded.

EARTHDAY.ORG believes every learner in every school has the right to receive fully integrated and assessed climate education, coupled with a strong civic engagement component. Over fifty years ago, the first Earth Day started an environmental revolution. Now, our Climate and Environmental Literacy Campaign is igniting an education revolution to spark innovation, help build a pipeline of green jobs, and save our planet. Join us in the fight for equitable climate education worldwide by signing the open letter to the COP 28 UAE Presidency demanding cooperation and collaborative action to establish quality education for children, youth, and adults worldwide to combat the climate crisis. 

For more ways to take action, please visit: https://earthday.org/campaign/climate-environmental-literacy/ 

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Climate education and environmental literacy are the most underestimated and underfunded solutions for adopting eco-friendly practices to end the climate crisis. Investing in education better prepares the next generation to face climate change as it establishes foundational values and solutions for environmental safety. Preparatory courses have the potential to raise awareness about harmful actions and develop a sense of circular and sustainable communities from a young age.

The Education International Manifesto on Quality Climate Change Education for All defines five pillars to help ensure such transformation is possible: (1) include governmental oversight on quality climate change education to guarantee students become climate-literate, (2) coursework based on science, (3) addressing the ethical, cultural, political, social and economic dimensions of climate change, (4) well-trained teachers, and (5) transformed school and learning environments to support climate literacy.

Even though effective methods of climate literacy implementation are widely available to governments, only a few countries have incorporated climate education into their school curriculum. According to the Climate Change Education Ambition Report Card, every country failed this commitment based on their submissions to the UNFCCC. The progressive countries on climate education with the highest real score include Cambodia (58%), Dominican Republic (51%), Colombia (50%), and Vanuatu (50%).

While the Paris Agreement emphasized the role of education and training to empower the public to make ethically informed decisions, countries who are committed to the treaty — including the US and China — have yet to implement an extensive and systemic reform on climate education. UNESCO exposes the tragic truth as reports show Africa and Oceania have considerably more climate change content, whereas Central and Southern Asia have the least. Countries most vulnerable to climate change are more likely to include climate literacy in their national curriculum frameworks than those primarily responsible for the emissions causing climate change.

The total negligence of climate literacy has disastrous implications for the countries as it not only jeopardizes the well-being of citizens and the safety of the environment, but also misses the chance to reverse climate change impact with proper education and professional development. For instance, well-trained architects and engineers can get the upper hand in the fight against climate change as they apply engineering principles that reduce the impact of major industrial activities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics already projects that the number of jobs for environmental scientists and specialists will increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030, signifying the priority for climate literacy inclusion in the school curriculum. 

Llearning about environmentally conscious practices encourages changes in young people’s attitudes and behavior and helps them to adapt to climate change-related trends. Further progress intensely relies on our commitment to provide quality education in schools to prepare the younger generation for immediate climate change consequences and expose them to environmentally safe practices.

EARTHDAY.ORG’s Climate and Environmental Literacy Campaign is committed to ensuring that students worldwide have access to high-quality climate change education to support upcoming generations’ conscious and informed decisions. To successfully execute this commitment, demand global leaders at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change commit to compulsory, assessed climate and environmental education with a robust civic engagement component at COP28 this November.

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President Nelson Mandela famously said that “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” However, the latest UNESCO report found that 70% of young people have a very limited understanding of climate change or cannot explain it to someone else, signaling a concerning deficiency when it comes to global climate education. If education is the most powerful weapon, why aren’t we using it?

The next generation has been thrown headfirst into a world plagued by the worsening effects of climate change, and they should understand what they’re inheriting and what’s at stake. Because of the impending nature of the climate crisis, this generation will inevitably be required to rethink the way we operate when it comes to transforming energy sources, preserving biodiversity, and spearheading the climate justice movement. We have an obligation to ensure they feel prepared, confident, and aware as they move forward in a rapidly changing world.

Climate change is a human-caused issue, and we can’t change our future without first reassessing our own systems. The education system is a critical place to start. Students around the world want to – and need to – receive a complex climate education that reflects the urgency of the climate crisis, presents a comprehensive environmental science curriculum, and centers justice-oriented solutions. It’s up to governments to take this next step towards a climate-forward future.

This is why EARTHDAY.ORG created the Climate Education Coalition. In November of 2022, we joined forces with over 100 organizations as well as numerous individuals to form the first ever Climate Education Hub at COP27. 

Since its formation, the Coalition has been pressuring political leaders around the world to assess and fully integrate climate education into the K-12 curriculum worldwide. On the International Day of Education, the Coalition released an Open Letter to the COP28 Presidency and Heads of State demanding that quality climate education be prioritized as a topic of discussion at the 2023 UN Climate Summit in Dubai. The letter further calls on global leaders to take action through policy implementation and pledges to allocate funds to education systems. 

Everyone has a stake in the global decisions around climate education, especially because it’s still one of the most underfunded and underestimated tactics in the fight against climate change. We invite you to be a part of this movement. Join the Climate Education Coalition by adding your name to the list of over 100 organizations and thousands of individuals who have already signed our Open Letter, or send a request to dabrowski@earthday.org for more information.

Finally, to stay up-to-date on the next steps leaders are taking, you can tune into the expert panel Climate Education at COP28 on April 17^th 2-3pm EST.

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Education is at the core of the environmental movement. It’s where Earth Day got its original start in 1970 and remains a huge part of our mission today, including our efforts in reforestation and conservation with our global campaign, The Canopy Project. 

Climate and environmental literacy doesn’t just mean teaching school children the importance of recycling or a board room best practices in sustainable development, it means implementing action. Each reforestation project we do at EARTHDAY.ORG includes community engagement and education to guarantee the trees planted last a multiple human lifetimes and can be a pillar of good that will last generations. ,  creating a lasting impact for both the environment and the individuals. 

The climate emergency is getting worse, and those most vulnerable are seeing an increase of sea levels, temperatures, and the severity of storms. The World Health Organization estimates there will be an additional quarter million deaths every year from malnutrition, malaria, heat stress, and other diseases related directly to a changing climate. Tree planting is one of the simplest and easiest ways to contribute to the climate fight, which is why we strive to plant millions of trees every year. 

Teaching the community about the dangers of over-harvesting trees and the numerous benefits of new tree plantings, including river bank securement, water filtration, habitat restoration, and carbon sequestration has immense benefits. Communities use these trees beyond just timber or heating use and unleash the full potential of the forests and their land. In Bangladesh we planted 100,000 mangrove trees along the banks of the Rupsha River.  Mangroves have a unique almost maze-like root system that is the perfect breeding ground for marine life. Many in the area depend on fishing to provide for their families and these trees go a long way toward maintaining and enhancing the  fish population. 

The communities and farmers near each planting site are taught the benefits of planting trees within their farms to help preserve the land, keeping them from being trampled over by livestock and creating shade for some less sun-tolerant crops, such as coffee. Our project in Uganda educated the local population the importance of maintaining wooded areas to help prevent detrimental landslides. The trees EARTHDAY.ORG planted there have  acted to secure the mountainside and help prevent another catastrophe in that region. Trees do this through their complex root systems, they prevent the soil from getting compacted allowing water to seep in rather than just flow on top. Flowing on top is what moves large amounts of matter, eroding away the landscape. 

Just like the trees planted, education can be passed on from generation to generation. If we want to leave a better world for the next generation, it starts with planting a tree through EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project.

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