Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life in order to learn, grow, and contribute to their community. Mental health is an integral part of our motivation and resiliency, and psychological struggles can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. 

Mental disorders account for 15% of the global burden of disease among adolescents. Globally, 1 in 7 youth experience a mental health disorder each year. The average delay between mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years, which means that young people can be trapped in a state of poor mental health most of their childhood and adolescence.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on how climate change can negatively impact our mental health.

The Vulnerability of Youth To Climate Change 

Youth are the most vulnerable group experiencing poor mental health due to the extremes of climate change. A global study from 2021 found that 45% of students, 16 to 25 years, feel the effects of climate anxiety daily. 

Climate anxiety is a natural and adaptive response to the all too real threats of our climate crisis, and causes serious issues in children such as sleep troubles, PTSD, disrupted cognitive development, and even major depressive disorder. Youth can experience indirect impacts from climate change too such as disrupted schooling, family and financial strains, displacement, and food insecurity.

Cognitive Development = Concrete Thinking

Children aged 6 to 12 years are in the stage of cognitive development characterized by concrete thinking, where they learn to understand and reason about real objects and events. They are concerned with ideas of justice and fairness and orienting themselves within their own community, the wider world. Furthermore, they are able to understand empathy and consider other people’s needs. This stage of cognitive development is critical for growth and overall health. 

But children’s brain health is impacted by climate change because when they are exposed to climate disasters, like wildfires and floods, they are susceptible to psychological distress which then can impedes brain development. 

Extreme weather events have been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing serious mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic stress. Plus, higher temperatures and pollution have been linked to an increase in ER visits for mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts.

That is why increasing our awareness and understanding of climate mental health issues will reduce mental health issues that are linked to climate change. A Yale School of Public Health study found that young adults who participate in collective climate action experience less depression and hopelessness linked to climate anxiety. Active involvement provides a buffer against the mental health toll of climate worries by fostering purpose and community.

Research also shows that feeling empowered through climate action boosts self-efficacy and reduces feelings of helplessness, key drivers of anxiety related to climate change. Harvard Medicine Magazine notes that many people deeply worried about climate change find that taking action—whether small steps or advocacy—helps balance their anxiety and supports daily functioning.

The Power of Emotions 

Mental health is more than just dealing with emotions; it encompasses both psychological and social-well being. When we use appropriate techniques that address stressors on mental health, we can create a positive feedback loop that provides youth with tools for dealing with everyday life, no matter how complex it can get.

Emotional regulation is a crucial aspect of mental health, and can be understood through three key factors: Adaptive Engagement, Disengagement, and Aversive Cognitive Perseveration. 

Our ability to recognize emotions and choose how we respond to them is essential for mental health. Changing a reaction or avoiding inaction starts with stepping back from the initial emotional response and intentionally selecting a healthier one. This skill requires ongoing practice and conscious effort to understand how emotions influence thoughts and behavior.

Cognitive reappraisal is the skill of reinterpreting a situation to change its emotional impact. For example, instead of feeling frustrated about heat advisories keeping children indoors, one can focus on creating fun indoor activities, shifting attention from the problem to positive solutions.

Mental Health, Nutrition, & Food Insecurity

Our mind and body are intricately connected. Healthy eating, exercise, and adequate sleep have all been shown to protect against mental health disorders and improve mood. Droughts, floods, and higher temperatures impact food production and therefore exacerbate food insecurity. 

According to UNICEF, more than one in four children globally experience food poverty. Food insecurity acts as a chronic stressor, increasing inflammation in the body, which can also contribute to mental health problems. Children suffering malnutrition due to the climate crisis face heightened vulnerability to future climate-related events, creating a harmful cycle that deepens lasting disparities.

Supporting Mental Wellness 

To effectively tackle mental health issues, we must ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. When people feel safe, have enough to eat, and face less stress, their mind and body can thrive.. 

Some of the biggest barriers to mental health services are access to mental health professionals and funding. Since children spend much of their time in schools, educational institutions should be key to providing mental health support. In 2019, 15.4% of adolescents aged 12-17 reported receiving mental health services at school. However with 52% of public schools in the U.S already struggling to provide basic mental health services for students and 58% reporting an increase in the number of students seeking school-based post post-COVID,  funding remains a major issue. If we want to address mental health in our youth, then we must invest in their schools.

Human Rights Issue 

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in every 7 people, over 1 billion people, around the world are living with a mental disorder.  Mental health spans socio economic and geographical barriers, it affects all. However we know access to care is one of the biggest hurdles in tackling this issue. 

Mental health is a fundamental human rights issue and a vital part of global development discussions. A WHO report  highlights the deep connections between mental health and the  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showing how progress on the SDGs supports tackling mental health challenges worldwide. For true social, economic, and political prosperity, widespread investment in promoting positive mental health and ensuring care for those struggling is essential.

Climate education is one way we can prepare young people with the tools and strategies for coping with climate mental wellbeing. Education can build connections to solutions that positively impact the mind and body against climate change impacts.  But how can we, as individuals, help to ensure that everyone gets access to climate education? For one thing, we can make sure that we are all informed about what climate education entails. More actively, sign EARTHDAY.ORG’s petition for all countries to commit to climate education.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

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To effectively teach these skills, educators must have access to the latest research and instructional strategies. We know how difficult it can be to incorporate new lessons to your already packed curriculum, so at EARTHDAY.ORG, we try to function as a liaison between teachers and their climate materials. 

Tomorrow is our Back to School with Climate Education webinar, and we wanted to give you a preview of the teaching that is in store. Climate literacy is an essential pillar to building children’s green skills that they need to enter the workforce and to understand the changing world around them. 

Here are some of the many tools that can be used to build and foster a connection to nature and the environment: 

1) Morning Meeting:

Morning Meeting is just what it sounds like; a meeting in the morning where students and teachers set expectations for the day’s learning. It is a big part of the early elementary classroom, allowing students to be a part of something bigger than themselves and establishing connection and a sense of belonging. 

It can also be a great way to incorporate a relationship with nature and the environment. Nature connection may provide a conduit through which children meet the three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. You can welcome students to share; “What is your favorite animal to see in your community,” or other specific questions about the local environment. When students feel connected to nature, studies show they practice environmental conscious behaviors and are happier. So, it’s a joyful start to the day!

2) Learning Videos:

Around 65% of the population are visual learners, while 30% are auditory, making short videos are great to engage a wide range of students. As a teacher, you only want the best for your pupils. For “high quality” learning videos this means establishing the material that is explained in an age appropriate way and builds on skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Creators like Suzie Hicks, the host of Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick and Sprout, do just that; offering a platform of authentic, content diversity to reach students on a deeper learning level. These video courses are engaging and incorporate climate lessons into math and reading curriculum. This interdisciplinary method is especially effective because it widens the perspectives students can use to approach complex issues. By allowing them to problem-solve from the angle that resonates most with them, it fosters deeper engagement and mirrors the kind of integrated thinking required in the real world – where fields of study often blend and challenges rarely exist in isolation.

3) Literature:

Whether the books are nonfiction or fiction, read aloud or silently, they captivate consumers. Books are more than just print, they can provide children with new information about the world, enrich vocabulary and enhance specific language skills (in the classroom or at home), nurturing communication between the storyteller (teacher, parent or other professional staff) and the listeners. Fostering a connection to books goes beyond the academic. Those who have positive attitudes toward reading are linked to improved resilience, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, and  indicators of mental health. These skills are critical for development and give students clues about the world around them, preparing students for solving climate issues in the real world. 

4) Tech Time:

As the digital world quickly develops, technology skills have become integral to develop in elementary school. Many ways educators are incorporating technological development is through engaging programs that build student’s coding skills which is ultimately teaching learners to problem solve, be resilient, and develop problem solving skills. Coding is about using imagination and figuring out solutions. This being said, coding has become a way to incorporate climate topics into the classroom. Organizations like Take Action Global, and their Coding For Climate Initiative, delivers a climate issue in the form of a challenge that students must use their creativity and problem solving skills to tackle climate issues on the local level. When students engage with hands-on activities while working through a problem that affects them, you will get authentic learning. In fact, 81% of educators surveyed felt technology has had a positive impact on the profession over the past decade of teaching. Technology as a tool is impactful as a teaching tool for learning. 

To help support the incorporation of climate lessons in the classroom, teachers can sign up to be an Earth Day Educator. You can also find loads of helpful resources, such as teaching guides and toolkits, available on our Climate Education page. Climate education is a vital foundation for developing the green skills children need to navigate the workforce and make sense of our changing world; so it’s time we prioritize and promote it. 

But education does not end in school; it continues throughout our lives. Right now, the EPA is trying to take away our knowledge by rescinding the Endangerment Finding. We need to remind EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin that he works for the American people, and we want the truth. Sign this letter to tell Lee Zeldin to protect our health, our environment and our children’s future today.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

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Today is World Wish Day, which makes it the perfect moment to reflect on what we all hope for the next generation – happiness and health. As a former teacher, I believe deeply that all children deserve the opportunity to thrive. 

One of the most powerful tools we can give them is knowledge and climate education is often the missing element in their learning journeys. Here are 10 wishes I have for our children and the world they are inheriting:

1. I wish we could be honest about young peoples’ climate anxiety because it is all too real and we need to teach young people about hope and optimism instead of constant fear and despair: With 75% of young people saying that the future is frightening, we must address the emotional component that comes with talking about climate change and the disasters that are happening world wide. 

Research says that education plays a big role in combating climate change misinformation and activates climate action – empowering us to find solutions. So I wish for every child to have access to climate information to get climate literate.

2. Students need inspiration to get involved and I wish that they find their inspiration. Maybe they can find it looking at the Earth Day Map -and track what other communities have been doing. Plus, it’s not over just because Earth Day’s happened. Earth Day should be every day and our Earth Day Map is still up and running and taking commitments! This map is a reminder of the power of collective and individual action.  

We know that climate change can be a heavy topic. So don’t forget that libraries can be a huge resource and provide more inspiration. Good books can talk about big topics in a way that tells a story, and does not lecture.Use our educator book hub, to find books on a variety of climate related topics and all reading levels. 

3. I wish that schools will have the freedom and resources they need to talk about climate change without fear. Climate education resources allow educators to bring climate change topics into the classroom, no matter the subject or grade. 

With resources like the Earth Month Calendar, educators can have a voice and a choice in implementing lessons and activities that work best for their students. Even once April is over it can help teachers develop classes for their students.

4. I wish people would remember that mitigating climate change will create millions of new jobs if we back renewable energy. Climate education naturally incorporates skills that are going to be super relevant to young people’s future. 

5. Climate Change affects communities disproportionately. Geographical locations, financial, socio-economic, cultural, and social status all play a part in how much extreme weather will affect young people and all of us.. So I wish for equality for all of us in dealing with the impacts of climate change.  

6. I wish there was explicit professional development for educators to teach climate change topics in their classroom: Professional development (PD) allows teachers to build their educator networks and become content experts. 

With 65% of educators not teaching climate change in their classes because they don’t see the alignment to their curriculum; P.D. opportunities are more important than ever. When educators are exposed to high quality professional development opportunities, it allows them to be better teachers. Our The School Guide to Climate Education is a handy tool free to ALL teachers so I wish they would read it!

7. I wish that everyone knew that Earth Day has been celebrated for a 55 years:

Earth Day began in 1970 and was born out of a collective desire for clean air and clean water. It was kind of that simple. 

What blossomed from that first Earth Day was the mission to create awareness, understanding, and action.. Today, EARTHDAY.ORG stands at the forefront of this global mission. We should reflect on the passion and action that was at the first Earth Day to empower us to continue to care. 

8. I wish that we could remember that young people, especially kids, view us as role models: A good role model will have an influence that positively affects the wellbeing of a person – providing safety, hope, and happiness. 

Research says that young people are more likely to look to parents and adults for guidance on what is important, that means they care what their teachers think. If adults are learning about climate change and taking steps to better the planet, then young people will follow them.

9. It’s not just ALL about extreme weather events when it comes to climate change and I wish we could all remember that!   Climate change, is about long term changes versus weather events, which refers to short term changes. 

If you share these wishes and want to help make them a reality, join us at EARTHDAY.ORG. We offer a wide range of free resources to support climate education, including curriculum packets, toolkits, and our comprehensive School Guide to Teaching Climate Change. 

Visit our Climate Education webpage to access reports, classroom materials, policy updates, and more. Together, we can empower young people—and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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Please join us at the The Coding For Climate Webinar on April 24th, 2025 8-10am EST to celebrate learning with classrooms across the globe. 

Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, is a cross curricular pedagogy that puts innovation and creativity at the forefront of student learning. Technology, especially, is a key focus in today’s public education. Digital skills are linked to using technology as a tool for learning, however, there are many other abilities being strengthened as well. When we look closer at skills and technology, we see that executive functioning, problem solving, and resiliency are among those top capabilities being strengthened in young people’s learning. 

Coding is a way to boost important fundamental competencies while allowing learners to have fun and play at the same time. According to Tynker, Coding is the method of giving a computer instructions to perform a specific task. These coding tasks require careful thinking, patience, and problem solving. When coding is introduced to young students, it becomes a tool for growth, well beyond the typical association with technology, and specifically computers. 

Companies like LEGO Group, Scratch, and Tynker, are creating age-appropriate code learning that blurs the lines of traditional learning and what might be considered “play.” There are endless possibilities for students to engage with ideas about thinking green, and learning about green skills that incorporate sustainability and environmental education. 

Take for example Action Global’s initiative, Coding For Climate, which provides a program that links coding and climate together authentically, with real world climate problem solving.

This real world application is exactly what kind of connections children need to be making to develop motivation and agency as they grow into adults. When we present students with a climate problem and use coding as the means to solve it, we naturally allow students to build green skills. These green skills are necessary for their future. 

For children to develop an understanding of the world around them, specifically as environmental stewards, we look towards organizations like EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO) to support student action and learning in relevant and age appropriate ways. 

Learning is global. Climate Change is global. By providing easy to access, and free resources, to children all over the world, we can increase resource accessibility. Take Action Global and EARTHDAY.ORG offer free resources and access to other materials to bridge the gap of inequity. Access to learning resources is part of the rights to quality and equitable education, or the global education goal, SDG 4. 

The mission of climate education at EDO is for all students to possess a comprehensive understanding of how their actions can mitigate climate change impacts in their community and beyond because no cohort or community or country is immune to its impacts. 

Nearly 258 million students have spent periods of time not in school. With climate change impacting some communities, especially in the Global South,  disproportionately, we must provide all students with opportunities for learning to overcome the hurdles they will face from climate change and education inequity. 

It is by providing throughlines of climate action and learning, that students can overcome,adapt and grow. That is why, TAG and EDO, are committed to providing space for all learners and are knitting together a community of action oriented young people and support for learners.

Which is why we are excited to invite everyone to join  The Coding For Climate Webinar on April 24th, 2025 8-10 EST. This will be an opportunity to share and celebrate student work in this critically important area of coding in the classroom!

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

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Do you remember the first book you ever read? Your trips to the library? Curling up with a family member, sharing stories and discovering new worlds together? Many of us smile when we recall these moments, as they were the first steps in our journey with books.  Public libraries, with their endless shelves of possibility, have been at the heart of these story experiences, stories that can and do shape our lives. 

The right books can unlock a world of potential and books matter now more than ever. They are our bridge to the past, offering insights into history and the stories that shape our world. They are portals to the future and distant realms, allowing us to escape into science fiction, fantasy, and the wonders of travel. They are gateways to knowledge, whether we’re delving into the mysteries of science, understanding complex math, perfecting a cake recipe, or launching a new business.

And yet, despite their immeasurable value, books are often reduced to the cold, sterile definition of “a written text that can be published in printed or electronic form.” But we all know they are so much more. Books are vessels of imagination, education, and culture. They shape the way we think, help us make sense of the world, and allow us to grow.

In an age where information is instant and distractions are endless, are we taking books for granted? As technology continues to dominate our daily lives, we risk losing the depth and nuance that only books can offer. We must ask ourselves: Are we giving books the respect they deserve? Are we fostering a love for reading that will endure across generations, ensuring that the power of books remains central in our lives and communities? The time to reignite that passion is now.

Because while books may come in a variety of lengths, languages, and formats, there’s one thing that makes them truly special: they are tangible. They are more than just words on a page—they are a record of thoughts, ideas, and facts. Books capture what someone is thinking, whether it’s the simple joys of a picture book or the intricate world of a 700-page manuscript. 

They ignite a sense of possibility, offering a glimpse into another life, another world, and the imagination of others. Books are for the authors who write them, but they are also for all of us. They have become so deeply woven into the fabric of our lives that we often forget how we learned to read, how books first opened doors to new ideas and experiences. In this ever-changing world, books remain a timeless reminder of the power of knowledge and the importance of understanding.

The ability, or skill, to read a book typically happens in early childhood. We learn phonemic awareness, phonetic principles, and then learn to make meaning or comprehension of these words strung together through a thing called sentences. A skill that requires practice and perseverance to master. Exposure to reading often occurs before children can speak. Language development is positively correlated with early exposure to being read aloud to and spoken to. It’s like planting the seeds for a lifetime of reading adventure!

Research shows that children whose parents read to them every day are exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to regularly. That’s a huge difference, especially when we consider how it impacts young learners as they begin school. Language development—and especially reading skills—starts long before formal lessons or strategies are introduced. Early exposure to language plays a key role in shaping a child’s readiness for school, giving them either an advantage or a disadvantage when they step into their first classroom.

Why you might ask – well the reason early exposure to language makes such a difference is that it builds the foundation for all future learning. When children hear more words, they are not only building their vocabulary but also strengthening their ability to understand how language actually works—so alongside sentence structure they learn to grasp meaning, and context too. 

This early exposure helps them develop crucial skills like listening, comprehension, and critical thinking before they even start formal education. By the time they enter kindergarten, children who have been read to regularly are more prepared to engage with books, follow instructions, and absorb new information. Which is why without this early language exposure, children can start school at a disadvantage, which can affect their entire learning trajectory. Essentially, it’s the difference between jumping into the race with a head start versus starting from way way behind.

In 2009, Richard Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen published an article in Teachers College Record where they pointed out that the reading gap between students by the time they reach 9th grade is largely due to something called “summer reading loss.” This means that during the summer break, many students lose some of the reading skills they gained during the school year, and for a large number of students, this loss accounts for at least  80% of the difference in reading abilities between them and their peers by the time they enter high school. 

Essentially, if students aren’t reading over the summer, they can fall far behind, and this gap continues to widen as they get older.

Shannon D. H. M, an educational scholar, researched the profound role reading plays in cognitive and emotional development. He highlights how books can shape everything from vocabulary development to emotional intelligence and creativity. But Shannon, reading books is not just about literacy—it’s about nurturing the whole child, fostering imagination, and creating lifelong learners.

Martha Nussbaum, author of Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities, a philosopher, goes even further-  arguing that long term reading is essential for creating a just and democratic society. She explains how literature, philosophy, history—encourage empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection. These qualities are necessary for cultivating active, engaged citizens who can navigate the complexities of the world

So, this International Children’s Book Day on April 2nd – let’s make sure we continue to support the foundational skill-building that young learners need, ensuring they have the resources—and the opportunities—provided by libraries and beyond to strengthen their literacy skills and set them up for success. Remember too we have reviews for some of our favorite books here, keep scrolling down the page till you see our Earth Day Educator Book Hub!

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org.

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Emily Walker, Snr Coordinator, Climate Education Initiatives, EARTHDAY.ORG

Diary Of A Field Trip Back to School!

Emily at PGCPS Youth Climate Summit Event 2024

Emily Walker teaching at Buffalo Trail Elementary School, Aldie, Virginia.

A gripped audience watchesEmily as she presents the ‘My First Earth Day’ reel

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P.S. Feb 2nd is International Read Aloud Day!

You know the scene: a group of little ones sitting on the floor, eyes wide, as a teacher reads aloud from a colorful picture book. It’s the heart of early childhood classrooms—interactive, engaging, and full of life. But what happens when students graduate from elementary school? Does reading aloud suddenly stop?

If you wander into a middle school class or a secondary classroom, the chances of seeing that same cozy, read-aloud moment are slim to none. Instead, we assume that by the time students hit high school, they’re set to tackle the world of literature on their own—no need for a teacher to read aloud. But here’s the kicker: That’s a missed opportunity!

So, What Exactly Is a ‘Read-Aloud’?

Here’s the official-sounding definition: An interactive read-aloud is when a teacher reads a selected text to the whole class, stopping periodically to chat about what’s happening. This isn’t just passive listening; it’s a chance to dig deeper, make predictions, and connect ideas together. It’s a conversation, not a monologue.

Why does it matter? Well, – reading aloud is the single most important activity for reading success —and it doesn’t stop being useful just because students hit middle school or high school. Plus, not all kids are getting ‘the book’ experience at home. In fact, a national study found that 25 percent of young children are never read to, and another 25 percent are read to only once or twice weekly.

Why Stop at Elementary School?

The famous film-makers Jean-Luc Godard once said, “Sometimes reality is too complex. Stories give it form.” And isn’t that the truth? Stories help students make sense of a world that can often feel overwhelming. When we stop reading aloud to students, we’re missing out on an opportunity to help them engage with complex ideas, build empathy, and keep the spark for learning alive. Secondary students need those same benefits—they need to feel the story and wrestle with its meaning. Interactive read-alouds can help them do just that.

What Makes Read-Alouds So Powerful?

So, what’s the secret sauce to a successful secondary read-aloud? How do we make it work for older students? Here’s how:

1. Be a Performer
It’s all about setting the stage. Teachers can use music, props, or even a silly voice to get their attention. The more you commit, the more students will be pulled into the experience!

2. Make It Interactive
An interactive read-aloud is all about the pauses. Stop to ask your group of students questions, make predictions, or dive deeper into a particular word or phrase. This isn’t a “sit back and listen” moment—it’s a join in and discuss experience.

3. Engage Multiple Skills
Encourage students to jot down thoughts, ask questions, or discuss the text in groups. This isn’t just about reading—it’s about honing writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills in a dynamic way. All skills that are critically important in adult life, for students who go onto college or  join the  work-force or both!

Why We Need to Bring Back Read-Alouds For Older Students!

Educators can’t control the amount of time students are read to at home, and it is highly unlikely older kids are getting read to at all. But in the classroom, teachers can create an environment where reading aloud is part of the learning experience. 

Imagine secondary students not just reading books but really, truly, deeply engaging with them, discussing them, and connecting them to the world around them. It is a truly magical way to bring a group of older students together and let them socialize over stories and issues without it feeling like yet more ‘school work’. It isn’t a chore, it’s fun.

We know that students of all ages are feeling more anxious about the state of the planet today than ever before and class-rooms can be a place to calm their fears and create community. Let’s embrace the tangible benefits of reading-aloud for students at secondary levels and let’s bring back the read-aloud to Middle and High Schools!

If you are a teacher looking for some inspiration on read-aloud book options – or a student looking to suggest some to your teachers – you will find some great ideas on our climate education page. We still have suggestions for ‘littles’ but also books for students at Middle and High Schools too. From Eat for the Planet: Saving the World One Bite at a Time by  Nil Zacharias  and Gene Stone  to The Day the World Stops Shopping by  J.B. MacKinnon and many more. 

Let’s give our students the opportunity to experience the power of stories, engage with texts in a whole new way, and remember that learning is not just about reading—it’s about connecting, questioning, and growing together.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org.

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365 days. 1 Earth Day. 

To inspire meaningful learning, we must encourage innovation. This is why we developed the first-ever Earth Day Showcase, constructed with a framework that prioritizes real-world problem solving and creating climate solutions while providing flexibility for students to explore and innovate. By empowering students to think critically and creatively, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of environmental issues and inspire them to become agents of change.

The Earth Day Showcase originated from my time in the classroom. Each year my school would put together a community “showcase” of student work. It would begin with a student led project and end with a big celebration at the conclusion of the school year. Although this was not focused on Earth Day, it aligned with an important topic for students to learn—one year, we centered it around a popular children’s book. There were a few principles that set the showcase apart from other projects that made an impression for years to come: 

1. Collaborative efforts within the school and community 
2. Student innovation and creativity 
3. Focus on process over perfection 

If we take these components and apply them to the context of Earth Day, we can enrich sustainability and environmental education. With 84% of parents and 86% of teachers supporting climate education, the time for the first-ever EARTHDAY.ORG Earth Day Showcase is now. Families, educators, and students are ready to learn. 

Building Self Efficacy in Student with Project Based Learning 

Studies suggest that self-efficacy is a strong predictor of student academic success, often surpassing other non-cognitive factors. Furthermore, strong self-efficacy behaviors include flexible problem-solving, resilience, and a positive reaction to feedback. A student with self-efficacy has the potential to adapt their learned skill set as they enter the workforce. The question is: how can we foster self-efficacy in the classroom and how can we maximize skill building? And the answer : project based learning (PBL), which allows us to explore climate change solutions and is a powerful way to build the skills students need for success. 

How does PBL differ from other types of projects? This method allows students to engage actively in personal, “real-world” exercises. For instance, instead of sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture on solar panels or drawing a diagram of one, students would work with solar engineers to actually create solar panels for their schools. 

When learning is hands-on and attached to the “real world”, students are gaining something far more significant. Finding a sense of purpose for our futures is why 65% of youth want to learn how climate change will affect the future of Earth and society. By actively engaging students in real-world challenges, the project based learning (PBL) model fosters intrinsic motivation and a sense of purpose, improving mental health and reducing stress by giving students a sense of empowerment. Collaborative projects cultivate essential social-emotional skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution, promoting positive behavior and healthy relationships. Furthermore, PBL develops critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication – highly sought-after skills in today’s workforce. Students gain valuable experience in time management, and presentation skills, preparing them for success in future careers. This active learning goes beyond memorization, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills as students investigate the impacts and potential solutions to climate change. By connecting classroom learning to real-life challenges, PBL fosters a sense of purpose and empowers students to become agents of change in their communities. 

Our Power, Our Schools

I invite you to rethink what Earth Day could look like in the classroom. The Earth Day Showcase is an opportunity to rethink how we approach teaching about the Earth and to redefine what it means to learn. Earth Day can be a day that simply comes and goes, or it can be a day that thoughtfully inspires children to think deeper, create more, and connect with the planet in a meaningful way. This approach can ultimately lead to a shift in mindset. It starts with a small change. Earth Day was founded on the idea of education as a key component for inspiring change among individuals and communities. Get inspired today, to inspire students. 

Join the Earth Day Educator Network and register as an Earth Day Educator Representative and submit students’ climate projects to the Earth Day Showcase. By participating, you can be part of the global movement for climate action. 

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This week marks International Mountain Day, and there’s no better place to honor it than in the Caribbean — where towering peaks and lush valleys hold the secrets of ancient ecosystems. While many visitors flock to the region’s world-famous beaches, it’s the Caribbean mountains that tell the true story of this stunning place.

Take Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, for example. Known for their coffee plantations and  breathtaking views, these mountains aren’t just a pretty view — they’re an ecosystem teeming with unique flora and fauna. The Blue Mountains is a natural sanctuary, home to over 200 species of birds, including the endangered Jamaican Blackbird.

Then there’s Dominica, the “Nature Island,” where volcanic peaks like Morne Diablotins rise above the clouds. This mountain is not only the highest point in the country but also a vital hub of biodiversity, with endemic species like the Sisserou Parrot, one of the rarest birds on Earth. 

Let’s not forget the world famous Pitons of St. Lucia — two towering volcanic spires that rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea. These UNESCO World Heritage peaks are a stunning reminder of the region’s volcanic past and an incredible haven for marine life, providing a contrast between the rich, green highlands and the pristine coastal waters below. 

Across the Caribbean, mountains aren’t just scenic backdrops — they’re living, breathing ecosystems. The intricate interplay of mountains and valleys creating a vibrant tapestry of life found nowhere else in the world, from lush rainforests to hidden waterfalls, making these islands much more than just beach destinations. 

Cloud Mountains

Caribbean ranges are often described as cloud mountains: unique high-altitude regions where the terrain is frequently enveloped in mist or clouds, especially at their peaks. These mountains create ideal conditions for “cloud forests” — dense, moist forests that thrive in the persistent fog and humidity. 

The varying altitudes, slopes, and ridges of cloud mountains generate multiple micro-climates, which in turn support a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Species here adapt to very specific niches, making these regions some of the most biologically diverse on Earth.

These mountains play a crucial role in the region’s water distribution. As moist air rises and cools, it condenses into clouds, which contribute to rainfall that nourishes both the cloud forests and surrounding ecosystems. The high-altitude terrain influences the amount and distribution of rainfall, which is vital for the island’s water supply and overall hydrological cycle.

Cloud Mountains Are Climate Change Barometers

However, cloud forests  are extremely sensitive to climate change. Shifts in precipitation and cloud cover pose significant threats. Climate change can alter when and where rain falls, as well as the amount of rain received, leading to droughts or floods—conditions that cloud forests cannot easily withstand. Additionally, these forests depend on consistent cloud cover and cool, moist air. If climate change causes these clouds to diminish or shift, the entire ecosystem could be destabilized.

Cloud forests—also known as elfin woodlands or mossy forests—are adapted to the unique high-altitude conditions. With stunted, gnarled trees and slow growth, these forests can take centuries to regenerate, with biomass recovery estimated to take 200-300 years. These fragile ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions such as water scarcity, flooding, and erosion caused by climate change.

In the Caribbean, cloud mountains are vital ecological hubs, supporting local communities and diverse wildlife. Their protection is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the broader environmental health of the region. As climate change exacerbates the risks they face, including landslides, erosion, and altered hydrological patterns, it becomes even more urgent to safeguard these natural “water towers.”

So, while today is all about mountains we recognize that Earth needs to protect its trees and forests that cover them. One way you can play your part in that is by donating to The Canopy Project, your donation allows us to plant trees in vulnerable locations around the world. Every tree counts.

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Guide for Middle Schoolers

If you are an educator and want to join the EARTHDAY.ORG network, consider supporting our mission to put climate education into every single classroom around the world and please utilize these  free resources on climate education and why it matters here.  

If you are a teacher in the K – 12 grades please consider utilizing our free guide, The School Guide to Teaching Climate Education, because you can never start teaching students about climate change early enough!

Now let’s talk about wave power!

What is Tidal Energy?

Tidal energy is like magic from the ocean! It’s a special type of energy that comes from the movement of water in the seas. There are four cool ways to capture this energy: 

• Tidal Barrage: A big dam in the ocean with gates. It holds water when the tide comes in and lets it out when the tide goes out, spinning turbines to make electricity.
• Tidal Stream: Underwater turbines that work like fans. They spin with the ocean currents created by tides, generating electricity.
• Wave: Machines that move up and down with ocean waves. This movement turns gears to create electricity, like bouncing on a trampoline!
• Ocean thermal: Uses warm water on the surface and cold water below. The temperature difference makes a gas spin a turbine to generate electricity.

Each of these uses water in its own unique way to create electricity!

Why Do We Need Tidal Energy?

Did you know that about 3 billion people live near coastlines? That’s almost half of all the people in the world! Using tidal energy is super smart because it can help provide power to all those people while being friendly to our planet. Tidal energy comes from the movement of ocean tides, which means it’s always available as long as the tides are flowing.

This is great because tidal energy helps us make clean electricity without causing pollution. Unlike fossil fuels, like coal and oil, tidal energy doesn’t release harmful gasses into the air. These gasses can trap heat in our atmosphere and make the Earth warmer, which is called climate change. Climate change can cause problems like stronger storms, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns.

By using tidal energy, we reduce the pollution that contributes to climate change. Plus, tidal energy systems can protect coastlines from erosion and help keep ocean habitats safe. So, by choosing tidal energy, we can power our homes and schools while taking care of our planet and ensuring a healthier future for everyone!

Plus, the ocean is always moving, which means tidal energy is reliable and strong!

Meet the Biggest Tidal Power Plant!

In South Korea, there’s a giant tidal power plant called the Sihwa Lake tidal power station. It can produce 254 megawatts of electricity! Wow, that’s a lot! To give you an idea, 1 megawatt can power about 800 to 1,000 homes. So, when you add it all up, 254 megawatts can power around 200,000 to 254,000 homes.  That’s like a small city! This shows just how powerful tidal energy can be in providing electricity for so many people.

This plant uses special turbines and gates to harness the energy of the water. It’s like having a big water wheel that turns and creates power!

Fun Projects on the Horizon!

South Korea is also working on exciting new projects, like a wave energy converter that can help power remote islands. This means even places far from the mainland can get energy from the ocean waves!

Schooling for Sustainability!

Since 2022, schools in South Korea have started teaching kids about climate change and how to take care of the Earth. They’re making sure that students learn important skills for a greener future!

Did you know that 70% of high school graduates in South Korea go to college? At places like Sejong University, students can study things like Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, which help them learn how to protect our planet!

Across the globe, many other schools are exploring the benefits of tidal energy to power their campuses. For example, Portsmouth High School in the United Kingdom has worked with local tidal energy projects, allowing students to learn about renewable energy firsthand. 

In Canada, The Pearson College has partnered with researchers to study the effects of tidal energy on the environment, allowing students to learn about tidal energy and preparing them for jobs in the field. 

In the United States,  University of Washington  has engaged in projects that study the potential of tidal energy, and The University of Maine incorporates tidal energy into its curriculum, offering hands-on experiences with tidal turbines and marine renewable energy technologies.

Green Schools = Happy Jobs!

As part of a big plan called the Korean New Deal, South Korea is investing a whopping 15.3 trillion won to create green and smart schools! This means more job opportunities in fields related to clean energy. By 2025, it’s expected that nearly 400,000 new jobs will be created. That’s a lot of new friends to help the planet!

The Future is Bright with Tidal Energy!

As the world  works toward a greener future, we support climate education and training in schools. This way, they can teach people how to design and maintain cool renewable energy systems, from tidal to wind, to solar, geothermal and hydroelectric. Tidal energy is just one part of the adventure, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for our oceans and the people living by them!

So, next time you see the waves at the beach, remember that they’re not just for playing; they’re also a powerful source of energy that can help our world! 

If you are a student and want to learn more about the other renewable energy sources you can here in The Middle Schoolers Guide to Renewable Energy and consider exploring these books: 

The Boy Who Harnessed Wind, Young Reader’s Edition by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, best for ages 8 to 12

The book takes place in a place where resources are limited. Following the main character, readers experience courage, hope, and resiliency, that comes with determination and ingenuity. 

Planet Power: Explore the World’s Renewable Energy by Stacy P. Clark, best for ages 8 to 12

What is renewable energy? Clark discusses wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy—in a way that is both accessible and exciting.

Solar Story by by Allan Drummond, best for ages 4 to 8

This book is based on the origin story of a solar installation in Toucan, Mali. This follows the changes of solar on a community. 

Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future by James Morton Turner, best for ages 12 to 16

James Turner discusses the extraction of raw materials like lithium and cobalt, the environmental costs of battery production, and the broad scaling of supply chains. He emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in battery innovation. Furthermore, the need for sustainable technologies to meet the demand for electricity. 

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