Author name: Kathy Cherry

The United Nations Climate Change Conference recently took place in Glasgow. According to the U.N., “The Earth is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the 1800s. We are not on track to meet the Paris Agreement target to keep global temperature from exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. That is considered the upper limit to avoid the worst fallout from climate change.” These national headlines and statistics often make children feel helpless. Yet, children can make a difference today. My children’s novel provides an adventure that will help build children’s curiosity about animals and the world around them. Here are 5 tips for helping children make a difference with climate change today: Walk or bike to school. Find a classmate in the neighborhood to make it more fun. Reuse returned homework and school paperwork as wrapping paper or letters for family. Grandparents, aunts, or uncles can see your old math homework wrapping up their gifts. Avoid taking plastic bottled drinks and use the fountains or reusable containers. Turn off the lights every time you leave the room. Turn it into a game or contest about family members keeping lights off. Find rocks out in nature and decorate them as gifts for loved ones. Family loves homemade gifts especially for the holidays. Children can take on these simple actions and feel a part of the community and that they’re making a difference. In the end, we all want to make a difference, even children.