Hello everyone, Jeanne Rosenbohm here. As a teacher since the 1970s, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing concern of climate change. Back then, fresh out of college and full of idealism, I realized how vital it was to start cleaning up our world and reverse the damage being done. The air was thick in some cities, rivers were visibly polluted, and the idea of “reduce, reuse, recycle” was just starting to gain traction. Now, decades later, as a grandmother, my commitment is even stronger. I want to leave my grandchildren a world in better shape than the one I was born into. That’s not just a wish; it’s a responsibility.
Why Children? The Guardians of Tomorrow
Children must be taught to care. It’s simple as that. They are the future stewards of this planet. It is not our right to destroy the world through neglect and inaction. It is our obligation to care for it, nurture it, and protect it for future generations. Indigenous cultures have long understood this deep connection to the land, teaching respect and reciprocity. It’s time we all learned from that wisdom. They know that every action has a consequence, and we are borrowing this Earth from our children, not the other way around.
My Early Experiences: Seeds of Change
I remember the first Earth Day in 1970. I was a first-year teacher, still finding my way, but eager to bring important issues into the classroom. I was a bit timid, relying heavily on the teacher’s editions. However, the spirit of that first Earth Day sparked something in me. It took a couple of years to find my teacher’s voice and the right materials to complement the standard lessons. That’s when I first taught about Earth Day with real conviction.
I arranged for my students to view a program on pollution and recycling that aired on our local PBS channel. Getting the station to rebroadcast it during our science class was a significant event back then! No streaming, no on-demand – just a shared experience in front of the television. Seeing those images of overflowing landfills and polluted waterways had a profound impact on my students, and on me. From that moment on, I wanted to express my feelings about Mother Earth and awaken those who showed no interest or desire to take action. The time has come for us to decide if we want to help…or not. It’s no longer enough to stand on the sidelines.
More Than Just Facts: Fostering a Love for Nature
Teaching children about global warming isn’t just about presenting them with alarming statistics and doomsday scenarios. It’s about fostering a love and appreciation for the natural world. It’s about inspiring them to become active participants in creating a sustainable future.
How do we do that?
Get them outdoors: Let them experience the beauty and wonder of nature firsthand. Take them hiking, camping, or simply to the local park.
Make it age-appropriate: Tailor the information to their level of understanding. Focus on simple concepts like reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting animals.
Empower them with solutions: Show them that even small actions can make a big difference. Encourage them to recycle, plant trees, and speak up about environmental issues.
Lead by example: Children learn by observing the adults in their lives. Show them that you are committed to making a difference too.
Earth Day: A Milestone, Not a Finish Line
We’ve now celebrated over 50 years of Earth Day. It’s a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead. As we look ahead, please help the Earth thrive 100 years from now. Let’s instill in our children a sense of responsibility and a passion for protecting our planet. Let’s empower them to be the generation that turns the tide on climate change. The future of our world depends on it.
21 comments
Linda F.
I respect your experience, Jeanne, but I believe there’s too much fear-based messaging around global warming. Children need hope, not guilt. Sometimes the focus feels more political than educational.
Jeanne
This book was aimed for middle schoolers and others in the community that are interested in doing what they can to ensure that the climate is hospitable for children in the years to come. It is my hope the book will be a springboard for teachers to interest their students in the situations that have occurred. I do not see my book as a vehicle of fear but of faith that with knowledge we can solve the problems. In order to solve the problems, children must be aware of them. Having the ability to solve problems will give children the hope they need to make changes. This is a world wide problem. Are politics involved with global warming? Of course, but shouldn’t children be taught about politics as well?
mark d
While I appreciate your passion, I think we should be careful about teaching young children topics that can cause unnecessary anxiety. Climate change is real, but shouldn’t we let kids be kids instead of burdening them with adult worries?
Jeanne
Children see news about climate change on almost a daily basis on their flat screens with or without parents in the room to answer their questions. With the current thinking that there is no such thing as climate change, how much more are they going to see? Avoiding anxiety is not the way to solve problems. At what point should children be allowed to come out of their protective cocoons to be burdened with adult worries? During the Middle Ages children sang “Ring around the Rosie” that purportedly referred to the Black Death. Middle school children I think are perfectly capable of understanding there is a problem.
elise montgomery
Thank you Jeanne for your wisdom and heart. As someone just starting out in education, your story lit a fire in me. I hope to follow in your footsteps and make my classroom a place of wonder and change. Guess I will be sharing your book to my students.
Jeanne
We definitely need young teachers to be lit. I’m hoping older teachers will rekindle their passions as well. The world’s problems can’t be solved if no one talks about them. Good luck with your endeavors. Let me know what the children say.
Gabriel S.
What an inspiring read. I’m sharing this with my daughter who teaches first grade. These ideas on making environmental lessons age-appropriate are exactly what she’s been looking for. Gotta get a copy of that book too.
Jeanne
While I appreciate my book being used in school, first grade might be a little young although it certainly can be a starting point for teachers to introduce the subject of climate change. Age appropriate is the key. First graders are able to grasp a lot of concepts and act upon them even at six years of age. Even the parents learning that Dengue fever has occurred in the US might make them more aware of precautions to take.
Tina Wu
Jeanne, you have such a gentle yet urgent voice in this piece. It reminds me how much one passionate teacher can change lives. Thank you for decades of dedication—to students, to the Earth, to hope.
Jeanne
Thank you for that comment. Teachers need to remember the effects they can have on their students. We need to light the fires of passion in our teachers. Our world may depend on it. I am guilty of the “once a teacher always a teacher” syndrome. I can’t help it.
Nikhil Rao
This is so well said, Jeanne. I never thought of Earth Day as a milestone before, but you’re right—it’s not the destination, it’s part of the journey. We need more educators like you inspiring the next generation.
Carla Mendoza
You’ve captured exactly what I believe; children are our best hope. When they fall in love with the planet, they’ll fight to protect it. Thank you for dedicating your life to teaching that truth.
Jeanne
Thank you for your comment.
Tom Edwards
As a parent of two young kids, I appreciate these practical tips—especially the reminder to lead by example. It’s not always easy, but this post has inspired me to be more intentional. Thank you, Jeanne. My kids’ copies are on the way.
Renee Johnson
This brought tears to my eyes. I teach third grade and often wonder how much of my environmental lessons stick. Your story reminded me that seeds planted today bloom in the future. Thank you for this encouragement.
Laila Hassan
I loved your point about learning from Indigenous cultures. There is so much wisdom in viewing the Earth as something sacred and shared. We need more of this mindset in our schools and communities.
daniel ochoa
What a powerful reminder that education starts at home and continues in the classroom. Your early Earth Day memories really brought the past to life for me. Thank you for still fighting the good fight. I will order copies now for my grandkids.
Martha K.
Jeanne, thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective. As a fellow grandmother and retired teacher, I completely relate. Our grandchildren deserve a thriving planet. It’s so important we teach them not just facts, but love and reverence for nature.
Nancy Garner
when children learn to love the outdoors, they take care of it. we should train a generation who spends more time with nature rather than phone screens.
GISELA DE LEON
I am a fellow abuela and abuela approves. Kids neEd to knw how to care for nature.
Sherry Hawthorne
As a fellow educator, I couldn’t agree more with this blog. Since we cannot change the generation before us, the least we can do is to help mold a generation who will care more about our environment. You just made a sale today, Jeanne.