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Series:   Elements in Child Development

Children and Climate Change

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2022

Ann V. Sanson ,
Karina Padilla Malca ,
Judith Van Hoorn  and
Susie Burke
Ann V. Sanson
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne
Karina Padilla Malca
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh
Judith Van Hoorn
Affiliation:
University of the Pacific, California
Susie Burke
Affiliation:
University of Queensland

Summary

The existential threat posed by climate change presents a challenge to all those concerned about the next generation. This Element reviews and discusses its implications for the development of children (ages 0-12) today and in the future, and for the parents, teachers, researchers, and professionals who have responsibility for children. This Element adopts a bioecological model to examine both the direct impacts on children's physical and psychological well-being as well as indirect impacts through all the systems external to the child, emphasizing the greater vulnerability of children in the Global South. Given evidence of well-founded climate anxiety, this Element examines children's coping strategies and discusses the key roles of caregivers and schools in protecting and preparing children to face current and future challenges – with knowledge, hope, and agency as central themes. This Element highlights many under-researched areas and calls for action by all those caring for and about children's future.
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Keywords

climate changechildrenclimate impactschild coping and supportchild development
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in Child Development
Online ISBN: 9781009118705
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 22 September 2022

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