How Climate Change Is Fueling Anxiety in Children: Understanding Their Concerns and Finding Solutions

Jenn Plews, the CEO of the Northern Star Academies Trust, had an eye-opening moment during a trust retreat on a farm. It hit her that climate change needs to be a priority. She believes that schools should ensure students have better educational outcomes, and addressing climate change aligns perfectly with that mission.

In 2018, the trust began developing a climate change strategy. This foresight set them up well for new government rules requiring every school to have a climate action plan. Since then, sustainability has been one of their core values, alongside nurturing, aspiring, and thriving.

Across its 15 schools, the trust focuses on deepening children’s connection to nature and monitoring carbon usage. They aim to introduce innovative educational initiatives that actively address climate challenges. For instance, students from Victoria Primary School and Eastwood Community School recently participated in a study with academics from Canada and Leeds Trinity University. The findings showed that art and philosophy can help ease children’s anxieties about climate change.

Jane Dark, executive head at Victoria Primary, observed that many children worry about climate impacts on favorite animals and extreme weather. In response, they’ve integrated climate education across subjects. For example, in English classes, students write letters urging companies to reconsider their environmental practices. In geography, they learn about pollution’s effects by testing local waters. Science classes include hands-on projects like greenhouse gardening.

Funding might be tight, but the trust has secured impressive grants. For instance, £800,000 from the Department for Education’s resilience project has transformed Byron Primary in Bradford. The school now boasts eco-friendly features like LED lighting and solar panels, and students proudly showcase the green spaces created.

Plews noticed an unexpected benefit: children, especially those with autism or ADHD, often find peace in these new environments. In areas like Bradford—known for high deprivation rates—creating serene spaces provides children with healthier environments to thrive. Parents are also noticing changes, especially as schools sell homegrown produce back to the community.

Leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining these efforts. The trust’s board includes sustainability experts, ensuring a strong focus on environmental issues. They also have a “next generation board,” made up of students, to keep their voices heard.

Looking ahead, Plews wants to launch new programs supportive of children’s mental health and pair each school with a local river or canal to enhance their environmental connection.

This innovative approach underscores how education can not only adapt to today’s challenges but also actively shape a better, more sustainable future. For more insights on sustainability in education, check out resources from Leeds Trinity University.

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