10 Inspiring Ways to Get Your Teen Interested in Climate and Environmental Issues

Climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone. It’s the warming of our planet due to too much greenhouse gas in the air. This isn’t just a distant threat; it’s something that can impact young people today and future generations. If we don’t take action now, our way of life is at risk.

In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to require climate education in schools through the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Following their lead, Connecticut introduced similar initiatives. However, many states still lack robust climate education in their science curriculums, leaving teens without essential knowledge about this urgent issue.

Fortunately, teens can learn about climate change through engaging methods. Video games, which captivate young audiences, can be a powerful tool for education. For instance, *Mission 1.5’s mobile game* combines entertainment with awareness. Instead of traditional ads, players encounter educational content about climate issues. This unique approach has attracted six million players in 58 countries, showing that fun and learning can go hand in hand. As Cassie Flynn of the United Nations Development Programme notes, players get truly engaged with the game.

Hands-on projects can also make learning about climate change exciting. Simple activities, like creating edible models of greenhouse gases using toothpicks and gumdrops, allow teens to visualize how these gases impact our planet. These projects are easy for parents to set up and can spark interest in environmental science.

Lastly, creating spaces for teens to discuss climate issues together can be motivating. When they engage with peers, the conversation becomes more relatable and hopeful. It’s crucial to foster a sense of community and collaboration in tackling climate change. The more they connect through fun activities, the more likely they are to care about the subject.

For more resources, check out the New Jersey Department of Education [here](https://www.nj.gov/education/climate/learning/gradeband/), or find engaging climate activities at [We Are Teachers](http://www.weareteachers.com/climate-change-activities/). For more insights from Cassie Flynn, you can visit the [UN News article](https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1119292).

With innovative educational approaches and collaborative efforts, we can inspire the younger generation to take part in climate action effectively.

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