Climate actions for kids

Kids are worried about the climate crisis, and concerned about many of the creatures with whom we share our home. As a parent or caregiver, you may be fielding questions, fears, and anxiety, and wondering how to help them cope.

One important tool we have to help our kids cope with our climate grief, fears, and anxiety is taking action. (True for parents and caregivers too!)

We're inspired by the passion and care of these two young girls!

Gigi recently raised her voice on climate by creating this beautiful call to action for the world with her sidewalk chalk in her neighborhood:

The west is on fire.

We should have listened to the Lorax.

Climate action now!

Save the rainforest.

Do it for future generations.

Do it for your children!

Find your strength.

Love your Mother Earth.

Gigi Age 9

Seven-year-old Ellis made and sold monster cookies at a neighborhood park to raise money to protect Montana's gray wolves. Her mom matched what she raised, and Ellis was able to deliver the donation to Wolves of the Rockies. It was a great morning to connect and empower her kiddo to take concrete action.

If you and your family are inspired, here is a list of ideas for climate actions kids can take:

1. Sidewalk art and messages: Create a heartfelt call to action, visualize your climate story, or illustrate your hopes for our shared future on your sidewalk with chalk. This will make your kids' concern visible to the broader community, and help raise awareness with our neighbors that our kids are listening, worried, and need us to act.

2. Run your own fundraiser for creatures or climate (we'd love to hear and see how it went!)

3. Create hearts, like those pictured below, and write why Governor Gianforte should take strong climate action now. Mail the hearts to us (Families for a Livable Climate, PO Box 8415, Missoula, MT 59807) and we will add them to a giant card we plan to deliver to him later this summer. (Thank you to the families who have already participated!)

4. Call the Governor together. Write down 3 (or more) talking points that your kids want to share with the Governor, and call his office together. Call (406) 444-3111.

Share your actions to inspire others

Share with your friends and family or with us! Would would love to hear about these or any other actions you and your kids are pursuing!. We'd also love to share them and inspire more families to take action. Email your images and stories to Grace at livableclimate@gmail.com or tag us on Instagram (@livableclimate).