Enlist children in climate fight

For many families, school holidays bring a mix of relief and concern—they are well-deserved breaks for our children, but they can sometimes lead to restlessness, mischief, or worse. 

But what if we used this free time to engage our young ones in something meaningful, something that not only shapes their future but also protects it? It’s time we got our children involved in fighting climate change.

Communities across the country are already feeling the devastating effects of climate change—from frequent droughts to floods and unpredictable weather patterns. We can no longer afford to leave climate action only to policymakers and environmentalists. 

Everyone has a role to play, and that includes young people. The beauty of working with children is that they’re full of energy, curiosity and passion. They soak up information like sponges and, once inspired, can become powerful advocates for change. If we help them understand the connection between their everyday lives and the environment, they will carry those lessons for life.

Right now, we have over 15 million school-aged children at home. Just imagine the potential impact if even half of them took part in environmental activities this holiday. If seven million of them each planted a tree, that’s seven million new trees helping to clean our air, restore ecosystems, and reduce the effects of climate change. Children can also take part in clean-up drives, help start kitchen gardens at home, join community water conservation projects, or even lead simple recycling campaigns in their estates or villages.

Climate action activities can keep children’s minds and bodies active, teach responsibility and build leadership skills. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is also great for their mental health. 

In a world where anxiety and depression among teens are on the rise, being involved in something bigger than themselves can be both grounding and healing.

Mr Jomo is a communications strategist. jomo@admedia.co.ke.