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This nonfiction book explains what climate change is and how it is affecting our planet. Gail Herman presents multiple causes and perspectives on the issues from a non-biased point of view. This text explains climate change in a kid friendly way in a chapter book format. This book will help kids to develop a deeper understanding as to why climate change is happening on Earth.

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What Is Climate Change?

In the Canadian Arctic, winter used to come early. By early November, temperatures dipped below zero. Snow covered the ground. Hudson Bay became covered in solid ice.

Hundreds of polar bears lumbered onto the frozen water, making their way out to open ocean. All winter long, they swam from ice floe to ice floe. They mated. They hunted and fished. There were plenty of ringed seals to eat.

When summer finally came in August, the ice melted. The polar bears swam back to land. The males play-fought. The females watched over their young cubs. Months passed. Polar bears lounged on tundra-still-frozen ground-using little energy. They waited for cold weather. They waited to go out to sea again.

Polar bears are strong, majestic creatures, standing up to nine feet tall and weighing up to one thousand pounds. They are built for the cold. Their snow-white coat is thick, with a double layer of fur. Also, a layer of fat lies just under their skin, keeping them extra warm. For months, polar bears have to live off this fat, gained from winter feedings on the ice. When they're on land, they barely eat.

In early November 2016, the polar bears were still on land. There was no sea ice on Hudson Bay. Weeks passed. By December, there was still barely any ice at all. So the polar bears had to wait longer to return to the sea. Some paced back and forth along the shoreline. Others lay on the ground, not doing much at all.

The warmer climate affected the polar bears in important ways. In the 1980s, Hudson Bay bears were bigger and rounder, well fed. Recently they've been losing weight and becoming weaker. That's because with fewer weeks on ice, their hunting season has become shorter. They have less food. In Hudson Bay, polar bear numbers have dropped. The bears have fewer cubs. And not all cubs survive.

In 2016, the water in Hudson Bay didn't freeze until December 12. That was very late. "Sea ice is finally forming," one scientist reported. "The polar bears are moving quickly offshore."

Even on ice, however, the polar bears had a tougher time. There was more water between floes. The polar bears were already weakened by long months on land. And yet they had to swim longer distances to get from place to place to hunt.

Observers followed one female who had to swim nine days straight to reach an ice floe.

The Arctic-the polar bears' habitat-is changing. Temperatures have gone up about 3 degrees Celsius (°C), or 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), since 1900.

The ice cover is shrinking, too. In 2017, it was 30 percent smaller than it was twenty-five years earlier. And each year, the remaining ice cover is melting faster and faster.

The fact is that our entire planet is getting warmer, not just the Arctic. Certain gases in the atmosphere-"greenhouse gases"-hold in heat, keeping it from escaping into space. Higher temperatures bring changes in plant and animal life. In sources of food and water. In rainfall and snowfall, floods and droughts. Habitats around the world are at risk.

It's all part of climate change.

Chapter 1: Things Are Heating Up

First of all, what is climate?

Before you dress each day, do you check the climate to figure out what to wear? No, you check the weather.

Weather changes often, sometimes in the space of a couple of hours. Climate doesn't. Climate is the weather over long periods of time.

Scientists who study climate look at weather patterns. They need to measure temperature and precipitation (rainfall and snowfall). They'll look to see if there are changes over thirty years, fifty years, or even one hundred years. By studying these long periods, they see whether conditions on Earth are changing.

Scientists have taken measurements from weather stations around the world, in hot places and cold ones. And the average temperatures in all these places have gone up almost 2°F since the 1880s. That may not sound like a big difference, but it is.

Earth has been having fewer cold days and more warm days. There have been fewer record low temperatures and more record highs. Even freezing-cold places are getting warmer, and not just in the Arctic. It's also happening in Antarctica, by the South Pole. Ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets-all forms of land ice-are melting.

When land ice melts, it runs into the sea. The additional water from the Arctic Ocean ends up flowing into all the oceans. This causes sea levels to rise around the world. On average, levels have risen eight inches since the early 1900s and about two inches since 2000.

Again, that doesn't seem like much. But these changes in the Arctic have an impact on weather patterns for the entire planet. It's like a teeny, tiny spark that sets off a fire.

In Alaska, coastal villages have already seen dramatic change. Homes are threatened by flooding and erosion-that's water wearing away the shoreline. Sea ice is melting. So is permafrost, the permanently frozen soil just under the ground. The permafrost even feels different. It's springy, which causes houses to collapse into the water.

The people of an island town called Shishmaref have voted to move their village. It will take years and much money to do it. But the people are ready. "The land is going away," one man explained.

What about places that are already hot? Higher temperatures are bringing changes in these areas, too. Land is drying out. Water sources are dwindling.

In Africa, Lake Chad sits on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Millions of people in Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger relied on the lake-once one of the largest in Africa-for drinking water, fishing, and farming. But there is hardly any lake left. Since 1963, Lake Chad has lost nearly 90 percent of its water. It has shrunk because higher temperatures made the water evaporate at a faster pace. (Overuse is another reason. After all, the lake provided food and water for so many.)

So how do climate scientists explain this global warming? It all starts with greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

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science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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climate change; climate; global warming; scientists; hurricanes; earth day; non fiction books for kids age 9 12; science books for kids age 9 12; science for kids; earth day books for kids; science books for kids; nonfiction books for ages 9 12; hurricane books for kids; weather books for kids; 4th grade books; 5th grade books; books for boys age 9 12; books for girls age 9 12; climate change books; global climate change; global warming books; climate change books for kids; holocaust books for kids age 9 12

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climate change;climate;global warming;scientists;hurricanes;earth day;non fiction books for kids age 9 12;science books for kids age 9 12;science for kids;earth day books for kids;science books for kids;nonfiction books for ages 9 12;hurricane books for kids;weather books for kids;4th grade books;5th grade books;books for boys age 9 12;books for girls age 9 12;climate change books;global climate change;global warming books;climate change books for kids;holocaust books for kids age 9 12

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / earth sciences / weather

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / history of science

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - history of science

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science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / earth sciences / weather

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / history of science

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - history of science

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What Is Climate Change? (What Was?) [Herman, Gail, Who HQ, Hinderliter, John] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. What Is Climate Change? (What Was?)

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This beautiful nonfiction picture book explains what global warming is and how it is contributing to climate change. This books provides multiple reasons why our climate is changing and the effects it has on Earth and it's population. In addition, the author provides multiple texts features and tips for being more environmentally friendly.

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It is rather surprising to see this children's book appearing under the respected Smithsonian imprint. Its title says it all, with a glib acceptance of all the current fashionable global warming theories promoted by the IPCC and others. Children deserve much better than this hackneyed and out-of-date pamphlet, which again surprisingly, was published in 2010. It repeats erroneous claims of the imminent demise of the polar bear despite evidence on the ground in Nunuvat, Canada, that they are thriving. Surveys may appear to show a falling population, but then most are carried out by flying biologists (who might find some problem in seeing white animals against a white background). The evidence from the IPCC is deeply flawed owing to faulty computer models, which neglect the effects of water vapour and droplets (clouds). The temperature of the earth has in fact been flatlining for the past decade or more (as the IPCC graphs show clearly), and all those dire warnings of imminent catastrophe are quite baseless. Its call to action (presumably for kids) demands we all use the expensive fluorescent lights, which provide poor illumination and react too slowly to prevent tumbles and falls (especially among the elderly). They have of course been overtaken by LEDs which are far better and are becoming cheaper as time passes. Forget this poor book and give your kids something better!

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science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / earth sciences / weather

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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social issues: environment & green issues (children's

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social issues: environment & green issues (children's / teenage)

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weather; picture; holiday; nonfiction; photographic; animal; global; warming; climate; change; carbon; footprint; greenhouse; gas; earth; day; kid; child; hurricane; explaining; extreme; weather; weird; anomaly; many; irma; katrina; harvey; maria; florence; talk; natural; disaster; wind; season

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / earth sciences / weather

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - weather

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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social issues: environment & green issues (children's / teenage)

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Global Warming (Smithsonian-science) [Simon, Seymour] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Global Warming (Smithsonian-science)

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This nonfiction text explains the cause and effects of global warming and how devastating it is to our survival. This science e-book aligns perfectly to the Next Generation Science Standards and allows children to "Think like a Scientist" and engage in a hands on Science activity to help better understand global warming.

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge By Joanna Cole 

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The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge By Joanna Cole 

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This informational fiction text takes children on an adventure to discover what global warming is and why the earth is getting warmer. Even though this books is fiction, it is filled with scientific facts that help explain climate change and its devastating effects on Earth. This book helps children to understand that they will be affected by climate change and need to start making a change to help our environment. This book is also available as an audio recording.

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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Good Morning Trees: A journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference

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Good Morning Trees: A journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference

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This juvenile nonfiction book follows a poetic format great for engaging children in the facts of climate change. This book explains what climate change is, why it is happening, and ways we can help make a positive change in the environment. The texts is paired with beautiful images and text features that help students overall comprehension of the topic. This text is great to use for a read aloud.

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Good Morning Trees takes kids on a journey to understand climate change. The importance of how nature and human activity interact is shown through colorful illustrations and engaging text. This book gives insight on the necessity of balance in nature and how we can mitigate and adapt to make positive changes within our environment.

Good Morning Trees is the perfect introduction to climate change for curious kids ages 7 and up. Parents and educators can use this book to build a solid foundation in understanding greenhouse gases, how greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, sources and sinks of greenhouse gases as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change. This book will make a great gift for inspiring current and future generations to be guardians of our Earth.

Readers can follow the blueprint pages for answering the following questions:

How does a greenhouse work?

How does our Earth stay warm?

What is a greenhouse gas?

What are examples of greenhouse gases?

What do the terms "sources and sinks" mean?

What are sources of greenhouse gases?

What are sinks of greenhouse gases?

What do the terms "mitigation and adaptation" mean?

What are examples of mitigating greenhouse gases?

What are examples of adaptation to greenhouse gasses?

What can you do to increase sinks and decrease sources of greenhouse gases in your community?

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good morning trees: a journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - general

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - earth sciences - general

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - earth sciences - general

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
science / global warming & climate change

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Good Morning Trees: A journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference

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Good Morning Trees: A journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference [Nnoli, Aisha] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Good Morning Trees: A journey in learning about climate change and how to make a difference

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Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change by Marc ter Horst

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Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change by Marc ter Horst

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This nonfiction chapter book explains the history and facts behind why and how climate change is happening. This chapter books is paired with many illustrations and text features designed to help the reader better understand climate change.

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Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change

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Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change [ter Horst, Marc, Panders, Wendy] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Palm Trees at the North Pole: The Hot Truth About Climate Change

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1. What is climate change and how is it affecting Earth?
2. What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
3. How do we know the climate is changing? Can you provide examples?
4. Why is the climate changing? Can you explain specific reasons why this is happening?

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Supportive Text: What is Climate Change?

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Supportive Text: What is Climate Change?

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This article will help further extend students' knowlegde of what climate change is and why it is happening. This article is written in a kid friendly way and includes graphs, pictures and videos throughout to provide a clear explanation.

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Climate change describes a change in the average conditions in a region over a long period of time.

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Supportive Text: Climate Change is Complex.We've Got Answers to Your Questions. 

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Supportive Text: Climate Change is Complex.We've Got Answers to Your Questions. 

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This straightforward text answers common questions regarding climate change. This text can help clarify students confusion and solidify their understanding of climate change.

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The Science of Climate Change Explained: Facts, Evidence and Proof

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Definitive answers to the big questions.

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In this video, Bill Nye explains why climate change is a real issue that we need to take seriously. He explains the reasons why it is happening and why we should care. This video will provide an in depth understanding as to what climate change is, why it is happening and what we can do to help. This video is an alternative format to learn about climate change rather than just written text.

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Climate Change 101 with Bill Nye | National Geographic

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Video:Climate Change (according to a kid)

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Video:Climate Change (according to a kid)

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This video is great to help young learners understand climate change as it is told from a kids point of view. This video explains, in a kid friendly way, what climate change is, reasons why it happens, and the effects it has on earth. It provides a very simple, straightforward explanation.

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Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change By Tony Bradman

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Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change By Tony Bradman

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This fiction book provides many powerful stories on how climate change has effected Earth and our environment. This book has many stories, so one can pick and choose their favorites or read all of them. The stories represent places all over the world such as, Siberia, Canada, Australia, etc. This book really displays the effect climate change has on us all.

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under the weather: stories about climate change

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nature & the natural world - environment

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juvenile fiction / science & nature / environment

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juvenile fiction / nature & the natural world / environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
nature & the natural world - environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / science & nature / environment

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juvenile fiction / nature & the natural world / environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change

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Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change [Bradman, Tony] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change

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The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming By Laurie David & Cambria Gordon 

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The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming By Laurie David & Cambria Gordon 

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This nonfiction book explains the devastating effects global warming and climate change can have on our environment. The book explains global warming in kid friendly terms and pairs the text with vivid photos and illustrations. The book also provides ways for kids to help fight the effects of global warming.

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the down-to-earth guide to global warming

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming

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The Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming [Laurie David, Cambria Gordon] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming

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This realistic fiction novel follows a 12-year-old boy Sam who tries to escape a raging wildfire. The story shows just how dangerous and scary wildfires are. Wildfires are real natural disastors that occur in our world today. The book explains the wildfires are cause by droughts, which are a direct cause of climate change. The fiction story portrays what life can be like for someones living in area affected by wildfires and the effects it can have on our environment. At the end of the book, the author provides real information about wildfires and some safety tips.

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Our World out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do By Andrea Minoglio & Laure Fanelli

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Our World out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do By Andrea Minoglio & Laure Fanelli

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This kid-friendly nonfiction book explain how humans have played a huge role in throwing our world "out of balance." The book describes the many impacts climate change has had on our environment such as, air pollution, rising sea levels, increased garbage and plastic waste and wildfires. This text includes many illustrations and text features designed to support student learning.

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Editorial Reviews

03/15/2021

In 17 illustrated sections, this picture book offers a comprehensive look at elements of climate change, including rising sea levels, deforestation, ocean and air pollution, and the melting cryosphere. Fanelli's bright illustrations have an open, vintage appeal, integrating well with Minoglio's accessible prose. In each section, the verso page presents "Before," offering a look at the world in the present day, as the recto page shows "After," sharing a visualization of the near future alongside current data and scientists' projections. Diagrams show step-by-step explanations of how concepts and processes work, while boxes labeled "How You Can Help" and "How People Are Helping" provide individually accomplishable actions and information about larger initiatives. This impressive introduction to climate change will stimulate budding ecologists. Back matter includes a list of organizations and citizen science initiatives, glossary, index, and sources. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"This clear introduction to the what's and why's of environmental degradation balances sad facts with examples of what can and is being done. A solid pick . . . for its positive approach and breadth." —Kirkus Reviews

"This impressive introduction to climate change will stimulate budding ecologists." — Publishers Weekly

"A great starting place to understand climate change and its effects." — Booklist

​
" Our World Out of Balance is a wonderful introduction...Unlike so many other books about climate change, it does not traffic in fear. Instead, it presents the facts and shows what young people can do to help build a cleaner, safer and more equitable future for the planet." —Simon Donner, Professor, Climate Scientist, University of British Columbia

"Many of us are overwhelmed by climate change and not too sure of exactly what is happening to our Earth and why. Andrea Minglio and Laura Fanelli have given us a beautiful book that explains how many Earth systems work — from farms to coral reefs. These are pages readers of every age will want to linger over, marveling at the illustrations and savoring highly understandable explanations of what to do for nature and how. Our World out of Balance above all celebrates the amazing gift of life on Earth and will inspire actions to save it." — Mary Ellen Hannibal, Stanford Media Fellow and author of Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction

From the Publisher

04/01/2021

Gr 3-6-This book is packed with information about the climate crisis, from the rise in sea levels to intensive farming to threats to biodiversity. The narrative structure is purposefully organized: each section explains the problem, then includes a before-and-after section that describes what happened prior to the accelerating climate crisis and what is happening now. The following two pages outline how the problem works, how readers can help, and how others are helping. The eye-catching illustrations enhance the content, particularly in the "how" sections, where the artwork emphasizes the steps in the process being discussed. For example, a spread in the section "Extreme Weather Events" shows how a tropical cyclone starts. The images are infused with energy and movement that matches the event. These colorful illustrations fill the pages, with clear sectioning and symmetry between the topics. The back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a list of organizations focused on citizen science and protecting the planet. This English translation of a text originally released in Italian provides an excellent resource for classroom and library collections that seek contemporary works on climate change for young readers. VERDICT Purchase to help elementary readers understand the complexities of the climate crisis.- Jen McConnel, Longwood Univ., VA

School Library Journal

2021-03-02
A survey of global threats to our environment and what can be done.

From human-caused climate changes to too much trash, our world is out of balance. Appropriately, this clear introduction to the whats and whys of environmental degradation balances sad facts with examples of what can and is being done. Chapter by chapter this Italian import covers 15 environmental problems: global warming, rising sea levels, shrinking forests, growing cities, melting ice, disappearing wildlife, extreme weather, plastic in the ocean, desertification, polluted air, dying corals, overfarming, water pollution, fires, and waste management. Each four-page chapter includes an introduction to the issue, with descriptions of circumstances both before and after recent climate changes, and a spread explaining why and how the damage happens (usually described step by step), personal ways to help, and what others are doing. There's a concluding call for readers to speak out, as other young activists do. The organization of this survey is clear, the information accessible, the translation smooth, and the backmatter U.S.-centered. The illustrations have the appearance of prints, with blocks of undifferentiated color. They're full of details, humans (whose skin color is usually paper white but sometimes tan or black) doing all sorts of things, visual explanations, and scenes from all over the world.

A solid pick among many similar titles for its positive approach and breadth. (websites for action, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews

Read More

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Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do|Hardcover

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03/15/2021 In 17 illustrated sections, this picture book offers a comprehensive look at elements of climate change, including rising sea levels, deforestation, ocean and air pollution, and the melting cryosphere. Fanelli's bright illustrations have an open, vintage appeal, integrating well with Minoglio's accessible prose.

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Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World by Keltie Thomas

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Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World by Keltie Thomas

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This nonfiction book explains the affect climate change has had on rising sea levels. This books suggests the Earth will one day be under water if we do not change our ways. This books contains photographs, facts and images that show how environments across the world are affected by rising sea levels and what earth might look like one day. This books has a powerful, eye opening message about how serious the effects of climate change are on our environment.

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Read Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World on Epic

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Read Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World on Epic

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Instantly access Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

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This fiction story portrays the effect rising sea levels have on the environment and the people/animals in that environment. This story is told by a young girl, Imarvaluk, who explains how rising sea levels are taking away her home on a small island. The girl and her family are forced to retreat from their homes toward the mainland. She worries that one day soon, the whole island will be under water. This fictional story explains the devastating effect climate change can have on environments around the world that we may not even be aware of.

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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1. How is climate change affecting our environment? Can you provide examples.
2. What will happen to the environment if we do nothing to stop climate change?
3. Were you surprised by any of the information you read? or Were you able to relate to any of the information you read?

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Supportive Text: Arctic Voyage Finds Global Warming Impact on Ice and Animals 

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Supportive Text: Arctic Voyage Finds Global Warming Impact on Ice and Animals 

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This article supports the idea that climate change and global warming are having devastating effects on our environment. Specifically, this article discusses the melting of ice in the arctic that is causing sea levels to rise at a rapid pace. This change is affecting both the humans and animals that live in the environment. This article is designed for children to read and is written with kid friendly language.

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As of Monday, October 24, content that was on TweenTribune.com will now be available here on our new educational resources page and on our learning pages. While much of the content that you enjoyed will still exist, educators will unfortunately no longer be able to assign content to students. Tween Tribune has been a valued educational brand of Smithsonian magazine, and we appreciate your continued support.

Though the Girl Scouts of the USA initially declared itself a space for all girls, the reality was different for girls of color

Erin Blakemore

Get Smithsonian Educational Resources

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As of Monday, October 24, content that was on TweenTribune.com will now be available here on our new educational resources page and on our learning pages. While much of the content that you enjoyed will still exist, educators will unfortunately no longer be able to assign content to students.

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Supportive Text: How Climate Change is Impacting Animals in the Canadian Arctic 

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Supportive Text: How Climate Change is Impacting Animals in the Canadian Arctic 

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This article explains how changes in the environment caused by climate change are affecting both the humans and animals that live in that environment. This article explains that the ice in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic are melting away at rapid paces. The rapid melting is destroying their homes, killing the animals and making is difficult to find food. This environment is meant to be cold and icy and no longer is.

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Traditional practices have also undergone the impact of climate change. Before her grandfather died, Jennifer interviewed him about his favorite spot for hunting seals, which was only reachable when the water was frozen solid. "It doesn't get that cold anymore, so it doesn't actually freeze anymore," Jennifer says. "The traditional knowledge that has been passed down orally, telling stories of that particular place, it was gone with him. He was the last of his family to have known all the traditional knowledge of that specific place."

A week before we were in Cape Dorset, ice barricaded the Inuit community. Ships normally can get through the Arctic for only about six weeks in the summer. The only way out most of the year is by snowmobile or airplane, according to what locals told me.

In July, the roads are ditches of mud. Clouds of mosquitoes swarmed Brianna Rowe, 26, a shipmate I followed as she interviewed Inuit children and teachers about their lives, school, family, and traditions.

Brianna, who works for Reach the World and is director of the climate-change education project Disappearing Ice, connects classrooms with travelers via the Internet, so kids can travel the world virtually. She was using her vacation, as a student member of the Explorers Club, to connect U.S. classrooms with Arctic classrooms so kids can learn about one another's cultures - including how the U.S. is one of the main countries affecting the climate much farther north.

"The decisions that people make in the U.S. have a global impact," Brianna tells Teen Vogue. "It is important for everybody to be aware of their decisions, and their impact on the environment has an effect on the entire world's environment."

Kristin Gates, a park ranger who trekked alone across the Brooks Range, knows this all too well. Part of the year, 30-year-old Kristin patrols Denali National Park by dog sled, and she's making a short film about plastics pollution and garbage in the Arctic. "Climate change is something that affects us every day during the winter months," she tells Teen Vogue. Frozen rivers are Alaska's highways, and when they don't freeze solid, travel becomes dangerous and difficult.

Unfortunately, mushing (a form of travel that relies on dogs to pull a sled), which Kristin was hoping to learn about first-hand, is now almost nonexistent. Dog mushing as a practice mostly died out after Inuit communities were settled in villages by the Canadian government in the 1950s, so she heard stories about the old days but has not found anyone traveling by dog sled. Nowadays, travel mostly uses motors and gas, in four-wheelers, snowmobiles, and trucks. Kristin enlisted some of us from the ship and others from the community to clean up the beach. In about an hour we collected 17 bags of trash, a potential threat to seabirds and mammals.

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I Went to the Canadian Arctic and Saw Climate Change's Impact First-Hand

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In this reported piece, 12-year-old writer Roxanna Pearl Beebe-Center explains what she learned about the impact of climate change on animals while visiting the Canadian Arctic.

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Video: A look at consequences of rising sea levels as 56% of Americans call climate change "urgent"

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Video: A look at consequences of rising sea levels as 56% of Americans call climate change "urgent"

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This video explains how climate change is causing sea levels to rise effecting the environments we live in. These rising sea levels are destroying parts of our land and causing extreme flooding. The video also explains just how dangerous rising sea levels can be.

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A look at consequences of rising sea levels as 56% of Americans call climate change "urgent"

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Video: Climate Change and Its Impact on The Environment

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Video: Climate Change and Its Impact on The Environment

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This video explains the devastating impacts climate change has and will continue to have on the environment. This is a kid friendly video that is explained through the use of animation. It explains how changes to the environment will effect both people and animals as well.

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Climate Change and Its Impact on The Environment | Causes and Effects of Climate Change

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This nonfiction text explains the effects that climate change has on animals and humans. It explains the climate change impacts everyone and can be very devastating to all living things on Earth.

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climate change (true books: ecosystems (paperback))

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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Climate Change (True Books: Ecosystems (Paperback))

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Climate Change (True Books: Ecosystems (Paperback)) [Benoit, Peter] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Climate Change (True Books: Ecosystems (Paperback))

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A Warmer World: From Polar Bears to Butterflies, How Climate Change Affects Wildlife By Caroline Arnold

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A Warmer World: From Polar Bears to Butterflies, How Climate Change Affects Wildlife By Caroline Arnold

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This book explains how climate change can affect all forms of wildlife. As the planet warms up, animals are forced to adapt to these changing environments. If they can not adapt, they will eventually become extinct. This book also provides additional websites and books to help kids become more informed.

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A Warmer World is a timely subject for children. The world is experiencing Climate Change. Species of plants, butterflies, trees, fish and animals are being impacted by warmer and dryer climates.

The book made me sad, thinking that children are growing up in a world where the natural world is changing. Kids may never see some of the species I have known in my lifetime.

My question is what can be done to avert the massive species die-off? Won't a child ask these questions?

...more

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A Warmer World is a timely subject for children. The world is experiencing Climate Change. Species of plants, butterflies, trees, fish and animals are being impacted by warmer and dryer climates. The book made me sad, thinking that children are growing up in a world where the natural world is changing.

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This narrative nonfiction novel is written especially for kids. It helps to explain what is happening to the world's oceans and that if we continue on this path, fish will eventually become extinct. Once, fish become extinct it will cause a multitude of other problems that will spiral out of control. The book explains that this could all happen as soon as the next 50 years if we do not make a change. This chapter book is equipped with graphics, illustrations and large colorful fonts that appeal to kids.

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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This informational picture book is perfect for a read aloud that is designed to explain the effects of climate change on animals. This story follows a polar bear that becomes separated from it's family in a storm. Along the way the polar bear meets other animals in the arctic also affected by climate change. The story has beautiful illustrations that will grab the readers attention and entertain students of all ages.

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This nonfiction story includes true stories from well known climate change advocates. These stories explain the devastating effects climate change has had on people and animals all over the world. Their stories hope to inspire the future generation to make a change and save our planet.

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This is an amazing book! The book is made up of 25 individual stories, each story is about the work and challenges faced by the 'Climate Rebels' which include Sir David Attenborough, John Muir, Greta Thunberg and Greenpeace to name just a few. The Natural World and all inhabitants that are both thriving or on the verge of extinction have a well deserved spotlight throughout this book.
The author Ben Lerwill has wrote about the changing world from the prospective of each 'Climate Rebel' and tells how they have changed things through their love and passion. However, it is the responsibility of everyone to do their bit to save our planet and protect all that live here. The beautifully written stories about wildlife and climate change both fascinated and motivated me to do all I can for our planets future. This book is highly recommended for everyone young and old who have an interest in the Natural World.

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children’s / teenage social issues: environment & green issues

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / science & technology

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / social activism & volunteering

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social issues: environment & green issues (children's

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social issues: environment & green issues (children's / teenage)

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / science & technology

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / social activism & volunteering

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Climate Rebels - Kindle edition by Lerwill, Ben. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Climate Rebels.

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The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis By Owen R. Liu 

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The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis By Owen R. Liu 

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The fiction story follows a group of middle schoolers who go on a mission to learn about the impact of climate change around the world. This fun story presents real facts and information on climate change and the effects it has had on people and their communities around the world. This story is engaging and fun for kids, but also allows them to learn about climate change and the impact it has.

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the confounding case of the climate crisis (galactic academy of science)

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juvenile fiction / action & adventure / general

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juvenile fiction / mysteries & detective stories

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juvenile fiction / science fiction / general

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juvenile fiction/action & adventure - general

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juvenile fiction/mysteries & detective stories

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juvenile fiction/science fiction - general

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climate; greenhouse effect; carbon dioxide; carbon emissions; gas; middle grade adventure; science adventure; global warming fiction; adapting to climate change; time travel

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juvenile fiction / action & adventure / general

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juvenile fiction / mysteries & detective stories

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juvenile fiction / science fiction / general

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juvenile fiction/action & adventure - general

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juvenile fiction/mysteries & detective stories

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juvenile fiction/science fiction - general

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The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis (Galactic Academy of Science)

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The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis (Galactic Academy of Science) [Liu, Owen R., Tinker, Barbara] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis (Galactic Academy of Science)

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1. How is climate change affecting humans and animals? Can you provide examples?
2. What will happen to humans and animals if climate change continues to get worse?
3. Were you surprised by any information that you read? or Can you relate to any of the information you read?

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Supportive Text: When a Species Can't Stand the Heat

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Supportive Text: When a Species Can't Stand the Heat

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This article explains how global warming is affecting the tuatara population in New Zealand. These animals have been around since the dinosaur ages and are starting to become extinct because of the rise in temperature. This article supports how climate change is affecting wildlife around the world.

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Earth's warming threatens to tilt populations of an unusual reptile so dramatically that the species' long-term survival could be put in peril. The change could leave the species, a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs, without enough females to avoid extinction.

The tuatara (TOO-ah-TAAR-ah) is about the size of a squirrel. A crest of floppy white spikes runs down its back. Although it resembles a lizard, the grey-green species ( Sphenodon punctatus) actually belongs to a separate and distinct reptile order. (An order is that place on the tree of life directly above species, genus and family).

There are four orders of reptiles. Three have many distinct species. Not so the Rhynchocephalia (RIN-ko-suh-FAY-lee-uh). This order holds on with just a single member: the tuatara.

That wasn't always true. More than 200 million years ago, different rhynchocephalians could be found across much of the globe. Alas, most of these ancient reptiles died out around 60 million years ago, along with the last of the dinosaurs. Today, their descendants inhabit several dozen islands and fenced nature reserves, all in New Zealand.

And these animals are unique. For instance, unlike other reptiles, which have one row of teeth in its upper jaw, the tuatara have two parallel rows. As the animal chews, its bottom single row of teeth slots neatly in between the top two rows. The tuatara also have extra, rib-like bones, called gastralia (or "belly-ribs").

Humans introduced rats and other mammals to New Zealand, in the South Pacific. For centuries, these animals have threatened the survival of the island nation's unusual reptiles ( see Explainer). Although tuatara have survived that catastrophe, they now face a new threat: too few females. One reason: With global warming, their island homes are becoming way too hot!

Temperature sensitive

For all of its oddities, in one important way the tuatara resemble many of their reptile cousins: Whether an individual hatches from its egg as a male or a female depends on the temperature at which that egg had incubated.

Mom doesn't sit on her eggs. She just digs a nest in the ground and then leaves her eggs to develop. Cooler temperatures produce more girls; warmer temperatures, more boys. But with global warming, average temperatures across New Zealand have been increasing. And more male tuatara will hatch.

Adding to the problem, females don't seem to do well when males greatly outnumber them. Already on at least one island, the local population of tuatara risks dying out. There, guys outnumber gals by more than 2-to-1, according to a study published April 8 in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

For a long time, scientists didn't realize the impact that temperatures can have on these reptiles. Then, in 1992, Alison Cree discovered something odd. Cree is a zoologist at New Zealand's University of Otago. She and her students needed to know the sex of some tuatara that had been born in captivity. And that required surgery.

Outwardly, young tuatara males look just like females. To tell them apart, scientists must cut a tiny slit through the animal's skin. Only then can experts peer inside to see whether the reptile has ovaries or testes. A female's ovaries make eggs. A male's testes produce the sperm needed to fertilize those eggs.

All of the eggs deposited by a mom into one nest are a clutch. And Cree noticed that one clutch of seven tuatara from a New Zealand zoo were all boys. That made her suspicious.

She knew scientists had incubated the eggs in a cupboard that sometimes got warm. Could the all-male clutch reflect the influence of temperature? That certainly happens in some other reptiles, including crocodiles, alligators and most turtles. Yet extra warmth wouldn't necessarily mean more males. In many of those species, eggs incubated at the highest temperatures produce mostly females.

Alison Cree, University of Otago

So Cree's team incubated tuatara eggs at different temperatures. And these experts confirmed that eggs kept at warmer temperatures hatched more males.

This is completely different from the way sex is decided in mammals, including people. In them, chromosomes determine a baby's sex. A human embryo always inherits an X-chromosome from its mother. Its dad - as all men - have an X- and a Y-chromosome. If the baby inherits an X-chromosome from dad, she will be a girl. If the baby instead gets one of dad's Y-chromosomes, he will be a boy.

But tuatara don't have X- or Y-chromosomes. When a tuatara mother first lays a fertilized egg, the embryo inside is neither male nor female. In this species, temperature tends to determine how many hatchlings emerge as guys or gals. And just a small difference in nest temperature can make a difference. For example, 95 percent of eggs kept at a constant temperature of 21.2°Celsius (70.2°Fahrenheit) will develop into females. The ratio flips for eggs incubated a little more than one degree warmer - at 22.3 °C (72.1 °F). Now, 95 percent emerge as males.

That sensitivity to such minor swings in temperature has set off alarms among scientists working to ensure the tuatara's survival. They know that climate scientists have calculated that temperatures in New Zealand could rise by as much as 4 °C (7.2 °F) by 2080. According to the new PLOS ONE study, on at least one island where the reptiles now live - North Brother Island - such a large temperature increase would mean no more female tuatara. And, eventually, that would result in no more tuatara. Period.

Andrew McMillan/Wikimedia Commons

Bad times on North Brother

This wind-battered island is a mere 4 hectares (roughly 10 acres) in size. It's home to an old lighthouse and several hundred tuatara. And here, roughly seven out of every 10 of the reptiles are males.

Nicola Mitchell is a biologist at the University of Western Australia and co-author of the new study. She and her colleagues now estimate that at today's temperatures, 56 percent of tuatara eggs on North Brother Island should become males. That's far fewer than the real number. So Mitchell suspects the tiny island's shortage of females must be due to more than just climate change. Something else must be helping tilt the ratio in favor of males.

And it may be the males' behavior.

Her team has noticed that tuatara on North Brother have been getting skinnier over the past few decades. But females have slimming faster than males. One reason could be that males chase and harass females they try to get to mate with them. (With few females, each gal may find herself getting far more attention than she wants.) The males also are generally larger and more aggressive than the females. So the guys may be better than females at staking a claim to prime territory and food.

The end result is that the North Brother females have become slow to reproduce. Healthy females normally lay eggs every two to five years. But North Brother's gals only lay eggs once every nine years or so. Observes Mitchell, "We've got higher mortality in females and lower reproductive rates." Project this trend out into the future and within 150 years "there would only be males," she says.

Indeed, all signs suggest the North Brother population is slowly collapsing. "You can see this spiraling pattern and it's all heading in the wrong direction," says Nicola Nelson. Another member of the tuatara research team, she works at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Nelson says that it's possible the island is just too small and barren for tuatara to survive there forever. Maybe its colony is destined to die out. But many other tuatara populations also live on tiny islands. By monitoring the struggling group on North Brother, researchers are now learning what can happen when males start to greatly outnumber females.

Seeking shade

One question that scientists still haven't answered is whether tuatara mothers could change their behavior to match a new climate. After all, they've survived other swings in temperature over the species' long history. It is certainly possible the reptiles could shift where they lay their eggs or when. That would help them to avoid soil that is too warm.

This seems to be true for at least some other reptiles that have their sex set by egg temperature. Among them is the painted turtle, notes Jeanine Refsnider. She is an ecologist at the University of California, Berkeley.

Painted turtles are a common sight in rivers and lakes across the United States. Among these colorful creatures, more females hatch when temperatures are higher. However, they sometimes adjust to change, Refsnider notes.

"Normally they nest out in sunny, open habitats," she says. "I found that if you expose turtles to warmer temperatures than they are used to, they choose shadier spots to nest."

But shade is not always available. One group she studied lived in the desert. For those turtles, there just weren't any shade in which to nest.

Such a limit could endanger other reptiles living in small areas where there is little choice about where to lay eggs, Refsnider says. After all, she notes, "Reptiles don't migrate like birds."

Jeanine Refsnider, University of California, Berkeley

Other reptiles indeed could end up with either too many males or too many females in a warming world, points out Fredric Janzen. He is an ecologist at Iowa State University in Ames. While unfortunate, he notes, such changes could warn of potential threats facing other species.

The reptiles "may serve as the 'canaries in the coal mine' for all species with key parts of their biology affected by temperature," says Janzen. Coal miners used to take caged canaries into the mines. When levels of toxic gases began to rise, the birds would have trouble breathing - or die. This would signal to the miners that they must flee to safety or risk a similar fate. Today, scientists liken many environmental warning signs to those old mine canaries.

Moving south

The tuatara could migrate to cooler climes - but only with help from people.

Part of New Zealand's long-term plan for looking after tuatara is to return them to places they lived before humans arrived. Old tuatara bones have been found up and down the two larger islands that make up New Zealand's mainland, from the warm tip of the North Island right down to the cool far end of the South Island.

Right now, tuatara live mostly on small islands off of the North Island. Cree says that moving some tuatara back into different types of habitat, including cooler areas, should ensure the species can survive.

With that in mind, scientists released 87 tuatara into the South Island's Orokonui Ecosanctuary in early 2012. More than 8 kilometers (5 miles) of steel fence surrounds the sanctuary. The high fence keeps out any mammals that might view the reptiles as lunch. Temperatures too are milder there - around 3 °C (5.4 °F) cooler on average than on the islands where tuatara now live.

Scott Jarvie, University of Otago

In fact, many potential nesting sites at Orokonui appear too cool to produce boys. Still, climate scientists predict that before the end of the century, even Orokonui will be as warm as Stephens Island, where tuatara now flourish. "That's within the lifespan of a tuatara," Cree says. These reptiles can live for at least 80 years and likely more than 100 years.

So moving tuatara into lots of new habitats is like an insurance policy. "We were down to 32 populations," says Nelson. "now we're up to 45 populations of tuatara in lots of different locations. We've certainly got our eggs in more baskets."

That's a good thing, since the tuatara face other future challenges as well. Drought likely will increase in some areas of its range. That can destroy eggs and kill hatchlings. And sea level rise will shrink the island territory available for this reptile to inhabit. "It's climate that's changing, not just temperature," explains Cree.

For now, wherever tuatara live under protection, the reptiles are thriving. Scientists already have found two tuatara nests at Orokonui. Their eggs should hatch this year. Those babies will be relatively safe in their sanctuary, but likely see many changes over the course of their very long lives.

Power Words

behavior The way a person or animal acts towards others, or conducts itself.

chromosome A single threadlike piece of coiled DNA found in a cell's nucleus. A chromosome is generally X-shaped in animals and plants. Some segments of DNA in a chromosome are genes. Other segments of DNA in a chromosome are landing pads for proteins. The function of other segments of DNA in chromosomes is still not fully understood by scientists.

clutch (in biology) The eggs in a nest or the hatchlings from that collective group of eggs.

ecology A branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. A scientist who works in this field is called an ecologist.

embryo A vertebrate, or animal with a backbone, in its early stages of development.

gastralia Bones nicknamed "belly ribs" that are only found in tuatara, crocodiles and alligators. They support the abdomen but are not attached to the spine.

hatchling A young animal that recently emerged from its egg.

mammal A warm-blooded animal distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for feeding the young, and (typically) the bearing of live young.

New Zealand An island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, roughly 1,500 kilometers (some 900 miles) east of Australia. Its "mainland" - consisting of a North and South Island - is quite volcanically active. In addition, the country includes many far smaller offshore islands.

order (in biology) It is that place on the tree of life directly above species, genus and family.

reptile Cold-blooded vertebrate animals, whose skin is covered with scales or horny plates. Snakes, turtles, lizards and alligators are all reptiles.

sperm In animals, the male reproductive cell that can fuse with an egg of its species to create a new organism.

testis (plural: testes) The organ in the males of many species that makes sperm, the reproductive cells that fertilize eggs. This organ also is the primary site that makes testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

tuatara A reptile native to New Zealand. The tuatara are the sole remaining species of one of the four orders of reptiles.

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When temperatures rise, New Zealand's tuatara produce more males. With global warming, that could leave the ancient reptile species with too few females to avoid going extinct.

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Supporting Article: How Does Climate Change Affect Poor People in Africa?

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Supporting Article: How Does Climate Change Affect Poor People in Africa?

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This kid friendly article explains how climate change is contributing to extreme weather. It goes on to explain how poor people in Africa are not equipped to handle this extreme weather and as a result, their homes are destroyed and they are going hungry. They do not have the tools or resources necessary to handle these extreme weather conditions, and as a result, are suffering. This article shows how climate change can affect peoples overall well being.

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Video: How Africa is affected by climate change

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Video: How Africa is affected by climate change

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This video pairs perfectly with the previous article explaining how climate change has had a huge impact on poor people in Africa. This video provides students with a first hand account of what these people are going through and how difficult it is for them. It creates a lasting impact on how dangerous climate change is and the devastating effect it can have on human populations.

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How Africa is affected by climate change | DW News

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Video: Global Warming and its Effect on Wildlife

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Video: Global Warming and its Effect on Wildlife

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This video explains the effect climate change has on a variety of species in different parts of the world. It explains what is happening to these animals and why. This video includes music and interesting facts designed to engage students in learning.

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Global Warming and its Effect on Wildlife

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No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference By Greta Thunberg

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No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference By Greta Thunberg

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This nonfiction story is written by Greta Thunberg, a teenage climate activist who trying to reach young people to help make a difference. This book presents her various speeches and words, in which she hopes to get across the message that climate change is a huge problem. Greta hopes to encourage young kids to be the future and make a difference in a world.

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no one is too small to make a difference

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nature / environmental conservation & protection

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political science / public policy / environmental policy

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science / global warming & climate change

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No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference

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No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference [Greta Thunberg] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference

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A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids By Julie Hall 

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A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids By Julie Hall 

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This nonfiction children's book is perfect for discussing climate change and ways that we can help make a difference. This book not only provides great facts and pictures, but also hands on activities for kids to engage in. There is an entire chapter on how kids can help fight climate change. This book is great to read in the classroom as a whole group.

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Cool kids can only get cooler once they take in the vibrant and colorful vision of change in this book. Every page offers a morsel of insight relevant to kids' lives and the planet's future. Cool kids may have to fight their moms and dads for the chance to read it first! Once both generations catch the spirit of hope from this book, we'll change the nation--and the world. --U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee, author of Apollo's Fire: Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy<br /><br />What an important book for kids and grownups to read. From down-to-earth descriptions of the greenhouse effect to what's really going on in our climate, A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids empowers readers with solid, no-nonsense information as well as giving them tools to make a difference. With clear, accessible text, rich images, and thought-provoking activities, this book is a must-have in any science classroom and is a powerful tool to put in the hands of all of our children. --Lynn Brunelle, Emmy-winning writer for Bill Nye the Science Guy and author of Pop Bottle Science<br /><br />What's so dangerous about global warming is that it leaves many people feeling hopeless, as if nothing they could do would matter. This fine book makes it clear that that's not the case, and from changing light bulbs to changing laws, it shows young people how they are able to help. --Bill McKibben, author of Fight Global Warming Now and End of Nature

What an important book for kids and grownups to read. From down-to-earth descriptions of the greenhouse effect to what's really going on in our climate, A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids empowers readers with solid, no-nonsense information as well as giving them tools to make a difference. With clear, accessible text, rich images, and thought-provoking activities, this book is a must-have in any science classroom and is a powerful tool to put in the hands of all of our children. --Lynn Brunelle, Emmy-winning writer for Bill Nye the Science Guy and author of Pop Bottle Science

What's so dangerous about global warming is that it leaves many people feeling hopeless, as if nothing they could do would matter. This fine book makes it clear that that's not the case, and from changing light bulbs to changing laws, it shows young people how they are able to help. --Bill McKibben, author of Fight Global Warming Now and End of Nature

Julie Hall is the author of numerous science and social studies curriculum books for children. Her award-winning poetry has been anthologized and appeared in magazines, including The Nation and The Threepenny Review. She cofounded ProgressiveKid, a planet-friendly online company for kids and families. She is a regular contributor to On a Ledge, a blog about progressive parenting and green living. She lives on an island in Puget Sound.

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a hot planet needs cool kids: understanding climate change and what you can do about it

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It

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A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It [Julie Hall, Sarah Lane] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It

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Old Enough to Save the Planet By Loll Kirby

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Old Enough to Save the Planet By Loll Kirby

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This nonfiction picture book is great for a whole class read aloud. This book helps children to understand that they can step up and make a difference in the world even though they are only kids. This book presents 12 young climate change activists who are stepping up to take action against climate change. This book shows kids that they can make an impact at any age and change the world for the better.

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biography & autobiography - social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/biography & autobiography - social activists

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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kids picture book; ages 8-10; environmentalism; ecological middle grade reader; climate crisis; climate change; live green; activist; conservation; taking care of the planet; cleaning litter; reduce waste; young activism; climate strike; revolutionaries; civic

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental science & ecosystems

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juvenile nonfiction/biography & autobiography - social activists

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction/science & nature - environmental science & ecosystems

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Old Enough to Save the Planet [Kirby, Loll, Lirius, Adelina] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Old Enough to Save the Planet

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This is an uplifting nonfiction book that explains to kids that they can make a difference in the world. This books contains facts about climate change, great illustrations and ways to make a difference in the environment. The book provides many ideas and activities for kids to engage in to help fight climate change. This book not only teaches kids about climate change, but teaches them ways they can make a difference.

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you can change the world: the kids' guide to a better planet

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8–10; activism; change; climate change; community organizing; consumption; empowering; environment; grassroots; green; inspiring; middle grade; pollution; recycle; role model; sustainable living; wildlife; age 9-12

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8–10; activism; age 9-12; change; climate change; community organizing; consumption; empowering; environment; grassroots; green; inspiring; middle grade; pollution; recycle; role model; sustainable living; wildlife

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conservation of natural resources - citizen participation

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environmental protection - citizen participation

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / recycling & green living

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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young adult nonfiction / recycling & green living

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young adult nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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young adult nonfiction/recycling & green living

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young adult nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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juvenile nonfiction / biography & autobiography / social activists

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juvenile nonfiction / recycling & green living

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juvenile nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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young adult nonfiction / recycling & green living

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young adult nonfiction / science & nature / environmental conservation & protection

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young adult nonfiction/recycling & green living

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young adult nonfiction/science & nature - environmental conservation & protection

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You Can Change the World: The Kids' Guide to a Better Planet

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Amazon.com: You Can Change the World: The Kids' Guide to a Better Planet (9781524860929): Bell, Lucy: Books

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Josie and the Fourth Grade Bike Brigade By Beth Hadman, Kenny Bruno, and Antonia Bruno 

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Josie and the Fourth Grade Bike Brigade By Beth Hadman, Kenny Bruno, and Antonia Bruno 

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This fiction story follows the character, Josie, who is a young girl from Brooklyn hoping to prevent climate change. This fun and lighthearted story address climate change and how young children can do their part to fight the effects of climate change. In order to reduce the amount of cars on the road, Josie has the idea of forming the Fourth Grade Bike Brigade to reduce carbon emissions. This book shows young children they can make a difference by making simple changes in their every day lives.

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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1. What are some ways you can help prevent climate change? How will you implement these ideas?
2. How can you make a difference and stand up for what is right? Please provide examples.

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Supportive Text: What Can we do to Help?

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Supportive Text: What Can we do to Help?

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This article provides great ways for children to do their part to help in the fight against climate change. It is written in a kid friendly way that encourages children to advocate for change. This article is great as it provides simple things that kids can easily do in their everyday lives.

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Can I help nature to help us?

Yes! We can all take notice of our environment. We can learn how our planet works. We can learn how to live on it without making a mess of it. We can help to keep it magnificent for ourselves, our children and grandchildren, and other living things besides us.

Some of the ways you can help may have to wait until you are a little older-like choosing an energy-efficient car, installing solar panels on the roof of your house, or choosing a "green career."

But there are many important ways you can help right now.

You can help by growing your own vegetables and fruits. You can help by planting a tree. Your new plants and trees will help to remove the greenhouse gas CO ₂ from the air. If you grow some of your own food, you will also help to prevent more CO ₂ from entering the air from the fossil-fuel-burning trucks, planes, and ships that transport your food to you from far away.

How can I reduce my "carbon footprint"?

Your carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air because of your own energy needs. You need transportation, electricity, food, clothing, and other goods. Your choices can make a difference.

Swap old incandescent light bulbs for the new compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They use only 25% as much electricity to give the same light. They last ten times longer.

Turn off lights, TVs, computers, when you do not need them.

Unplug! Any electronic gadget you can turn on with a remote (TV, DVD player, Nintendo, Xbox) uses power even when it is "off." Appliances with a digital clock (like a coffee maker) or a power adapter (like a laptop computer) also suck power like a sneaky vampire. Plug these kinds of things into a surge protector or power strip that has an on/off switch. Then you can shut off all the power without unplugging each gadget.

There are even power strips that glow to show you how much power is going through them, and power strips you can control from your computer or iPhone.

Turn up the thermostat on the air conditioning when it's hot. Use fans if you're still hot. They use much less power.

Turn down the thermostat on the heating when it's cold. Sweaters, blankets, and socks are good for you and better for the planet.

Walk or ride your bike instead of taking a car everywhere. Even a 2-mile car trip puts 2 pounds of CO ₂ into the atmosphere!

If you must ride, carpool.

Stay out of the drive thru! When you go to a fast-food place, ask your driver to park the car and let you walk inside, rather than sitting in a line of cars with the engine running and polluting.

How can I reduce my trash pile?

Ask your parents to buy reusable grocery bags. Help them to remember to get them out of the car and take them into the store.

Recycle everything you can. If your city does not pick up recycled materials, find out who you can talk to about starting this service. You should be recycling paper, aluminum cans, cardboard, food cans, plastic, glass, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, phone books, and anything else made of paper.

Shop thrift stores. "BYOM." Bring your own mug. That's what you can tell your parents when they stop to buy their morning coffee. Use less paper whenever possible. Save the trees.

Drink tap water-filtered, if you like-instead of bottled water. Carry your drinking water in a reusable bottle. Plastic water bottles are an environmental disaster!

Use fewer containers. Buy the product that uses less packaging material. Even if you recycle packaging materials, it takes energy to create them in the first place and energy to remake them into something else.

Practice by playing "Recycle This!."

Do I need to save water too?

People and animals in many parts of the world do not have clean, safe water to drink. As many more regions are hit by drought, this problem will become even more serious. The sooner we start conserving water, the better off we all will be. Be aware of how much water you use.

Imagine you live in a recreational vehicle (RV), and your water tank holds only 50 gallons. Every time you turn on the water, the noisy electric water pump has to turn on too, sucking up your RV's battery power. Would you keep the water running while you brush your teeth? Would you spend 15 minutes in the shower using up all the water in the tank and depleting the battery? Would you plant a thirsty lawn in front of your RV if you were parked in the desert? Of course not!

How can I make a real difference?

You can choose a "green career." You can help to solve climate change problems and challenges. These are the exciting careers of the future. They range from designing satellites for NASA to fixing wind-energy generators to planning drought-tolerant landscapes for homes and parks. Many of the possible careers haven't even been thought of yet. You could invent your own career! Check out some Green Careers.

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We can do a lot, including planning for a green career.

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Supporting Text: 'You Need To Act Now': Meet 4 Girls Working To Save The Warming World

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Supporting Text: 'You Need To Act Now': Meet 4 Girls Working To Save The Warming World

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This article allows students to see how young children are already advocating for change and trying to make a difference in the world. This article shares the story of 4 different teenage girls from different parts of the world who are climate activist. These young girls are organizing climate strikes to raise awareness around climate change.

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A teenage girl, Greta Thunberg, has become the world-famous face of the climate strike movement. But she's far from alone: Thunberg has helped rally and inspire others - especially girls.

NPR talked to four teenage climate activists, all girls, from the U.S. and Australia, alongside their mothers. These teenagers are juggling activism with schoolwork and personal time. And their families are working hard to support them as they grapple with the heavy emotions that come with fighting for the future.

In Castlemaine, Australia, Milou Albrecht, 15, co-founded School Strike for Climate Australia, which organizes student walkouts. As massive bush fires engulf parts of her home country, Albrecht's group has been pressuring the German corporation Siemens to withdraw from an Australian coal mining project.

In New York City, Xiye Bastida, 17, led her school in the city's first big student climate strike last March, and along with traveling and public speaking, she and some of her classmates have continued to strike on Fridays ever since. ("Gym is on Fridays, so I have a very low grade in gym," she notes.)

In Louisiana, 16-year-old Jayden Foytlin was one of 21 young people who sued the federal government for violating their rights to a livable planet. The young plaintiffs hailed from communities around the country that have been directly affected by global warming - Foytlin, for example, is from south Louisiana, where her home has been flooded in storms.

The lawsuit, Juliana v. United States, was recently thrown out by a federal appeals court. But Foytlin says she's formed lasting friendships with the other plaintiffs. "We all share one thing in common - we really care about where we're from, and how we are going to continue to live [here]."

In upstate New York, Scout Pronto Breslin, 16, is focused on wildlife. She lives in Rhinebeck, and is the founder of a group called Hudson Valley Wild. "I volunteer at a wildlife rehab clinic," she says, explaining what motivated her activism."The birds there often come in with blood poisoning because of illegal toxins from chemical runoff and fertilizer."

Pronto Breslin advises other teens to find what really interests them about the climate movement. She says it could be composting in their schools, gardening, nature: "Once you find something that you really love, then that will just give you motivation to keep going with it."
Girls to the front
It's no coincidence that teenage girls are especially visible right now as climate leaders, says Katharine Wilkinson.

"The youth movement is such a great example of the way in which girls and young women are stepping into the heart of this space, and showing us what it looks like to lead with courage and imagination and incredible moral clarity."

Wilkinson works with a solutions-focused climate organization called Project Drawdown, and delivered a TED talk on how empowering women and girls can help stop global warming.

"When we think about the nexus of climate and gender, there are three big points of intersection," she tells NPR.

"One is that the impacts of climate change hit women and girls first and worst," particularly in the developing world and in poor communities.

The second, she says, is that "gender equality is itself a climate solution," with women's education and equity leading to smaller family sizes and, research shows, better land management practices.

And the third is what Wilkinson calls "transformational leadership that is grounded in intersectional feminism and what we might consider more feminine approaches to leading."

We all need to save the world. It's not up to girls. As much as we admire and love what they're doing. It also doesn't absolve us of responsibility.

Scout Pronto Breslin's mother, Jennifer Breslin, used to work on gender equity issues at the United Nations. She agrees with Wilkinson: "I think it's really amazing how many young women are involved in this."

On the other hand, she says, "I don't believe 'Girls are going to save the world.' We all need to save the world. It's not up to girls. As much as we admire and love what they're doing, it also doesn't absolve us of responsibility."
Raised to care for the Earth
Each of these girls expressed her own, independent commitment to the climate crisis - but it's impossible to ignore the upbringings that sparked their engagement.

"My mom and my dad always taught me what it was to take care of the Earth," Xiye Bastida says.

Bastida - who has been described as New York City's Greta Thunberg - is the daughter of Geraldine Patrick Encina, a scholar in residence at the Union Theological Seminary's Center for Earth Ethics, and an environmental activist since her own teenage years in Chile. Bastida's father is a member of the indigenous Otomi Toltec nation in Mexico, which advocates for the protection of their local water and land.

Patrick Encina says the family follows indigenous traditions. "We will do at least one ceremony, you know, to the waters or to the land frequently, maybe once a week."

Milou Albrecht is the daughter of Susan Burke, a psychologist who works in climate adaptation and disaster recovery. Burke and her husband raised their three children for years in an eco-friendly, rural, intentional community. Albrecht says she grew up going to environmental protests, and that they were "heaps of fun."

Social justice was part of Scout Pronto Breslin's upbringing, too. Aside from her mother's work in areas including sustainable development, her father was an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, and currently works for the U.N.

And Jayden Foytlin's mother is Cherri Foytlin, a direct action climate activist of Afro-Latina-Indigenous descent who is known for opposing an oil pipeline in south Louisiana.

"Some families, they go to baseball games or ballerina concerts," notes Cherri. "Well, it's always been a family function for us to go to marches or meetings or meet with the community and learn how to organize."

It's always been a family function for us to go to marches or meetings or meet with the community and learn how to organize.

All of the teenagers, however, made the point that they had friends in the movement whose parents were less aware, less involved or less supportive than their own.

"I have a few friends whose parents will tell them, 'You can not go to that meeting until you finish your homework,' or, 'You have to stop skipping school on Fridays,' " says Xiye Bastida. She calls it "a very fine line because no parent wants their kid to fail school."
Supporting, but also stepping back
Young climate change activists need support, they and their parents say, especially emotional support. "The toughest moments have been when Xiye just needs a hug," says her mother, Patrick Encina.

Climate change is enormous and tragic. It feels very personal to young people in particular, who are more likely than older generations to say that it impacts them personally. That makes it similar to other youth-led movements, such as Black Lives Matter and the March for Our Lives movement against gun violence.

The toughest moments have been when Xiye just needs a hug.

At the same time, eco-anxiety, depression and secondary traumatic stress are normal psychological reactions to learning about the reality of human-caused environmental destruction. That's according to psychologist Renee Lertzman, who has been working in this area for decades. She compares the situation of these teenagers to her own upbringing in the nuclear age.

"Anyone who's my age knows what it's like to grow up with the threat of nuclear war around you all the time, and how terrifying that is," she says. "So I have a lot of empathy and compassion for what it's like to be a young person in the context of an existential threat. I feel concern, and I feel like we need to be thoughtful about how we navigate this."

She says young people need to hear, "It's not all on them."

On the positive side, Susan Burke, Milou Albrecht's psychologist mother, says getting involved with a cause you care about can be protective for mental health. "It's great to take action on things that are worrying you because action is one of the best antidotes to despair and helplessness and hopelessness."

But Burke cautions that this work must be child-led - you can't push your children to get involved.

It's great to take action on things that are worrying you because action is one of the best antidotes to despair and helplessness and hopelessness.

Albrecht says her parents are good at listening and supporting,"but also kind of stepping back and let me do my thing."

Scout Pronto Breslin's mom, Jennifer Breslin, agrees with that approach. "We need to not micromanage them. It's really hard. You kind of want to jump in and say, 'Why don't you try this?' "

Many youth and student groups have created guidelines for adult allies on how to be supportive without taking over.
Balancing school, life and activism
Many activists are also high-achieving students with multiple AP classes and packed schedules. Bastida says to make room for the school strike planning and the traveling and speaking she's doing, she's dropped gymnastics and Model United Nations. No regrets, she says: "Model U.N. is so stressful. I am more nervous about Model U.N. than [lobbying] the actual U.N. Kids are crazy competitive. I'm not trying to be part of that."

Nevertheless, they all say that they have to - and their parents encourage them to - make room for downtime and hobbies.

Foytlin likes to draw and play with her little brother. Bastida likes Netflix and taking baths, and she says, "My dad tells me every day, 'You cannot fix the world if you do not fix up your room.' "

Pronto Breslin likes taking walks in the woods with her golden retriever, Tess; playing the guitar and listening to Elvis and the Beatles. And Albrecht likes gardening.

Each of these girls says it's important to find joy in the moment, and in the friendships they are making as they work for a better future.

"We advocate [so much] for urgency," Bastida says. "We are saying you need to act now. You need to do this fast. But you cannot live your life in that way. And I think that's the trickiest part - how do you live in a state of urgency without feeling that within you? So we have to remain centered not only in our families, but our communities, in organizing. When we organize, we model the world we want to see."

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'You Need To Act Now': Meet 4 Girls Working To Save The Warming World

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"When we organize, we model the world we want to see," says teenager Xiye Bastida. Activist girls like Bastida have been especially visible in the fight against climate change.

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Video: I'm only a kid, I can't do anything about climate change.... right?

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Video: I'm only a kid, I can't do anything about climate change.... right?

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This video talks about the many young children who have used science to help combat climate change. The video also explains different ways that kids can help to make a difference through science experiments. This video is very kid friendly and motivating, as it opens kids eyes up to what other kids their age have done to help save the earth.

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I'm only a kid, I can't do anything about climate change.... right?

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Video: School strike for climate - save the world by changing the rules

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Video: School strike for climate - save the world by changing the rules

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This video is a TED talk by Greta Thunberg, one of the most famous children's environmental activists. In this video, Greta discusses how she feels about climate change and ways she has tried to make a difference. This video can show young learners that you can make a difference at any age. It is inspiring to see such a young girl have such a passion about making a difference in the world.

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School strike for climate - save the world by changing the rules | Greta Thunberg | TEDxStockholm

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1. Student will work in groups to create a Google Slides or Powerpoint presentation explaining what climate change is. In their groups, they will discuss what to include and how to format their presentation. They will work as a group to include the information they feel is most important in explaining climate change.
2. After reading, Good Morning Trees by Aisha Nnoli, student will complete a Book Talk Google slide. Here students will share their favorite fact, their reactions, who might love this book, etc. They will share their Book Talks with all classmates and be able to leave comments on each other's google slides.
3. Students will create a digital movie explaining climate change. They will use the Bill Nye video as a guide. They can choose to work with a partner or on their own.

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1. All students will research a place on earth that has been affected by climate change. They will then write a short essay describing the environmental disaster. They will add their research to a class padlet for the whole class to read and learn about.
2. Students will fill out a Book-Head-Heart response to Wildfire. They will share what was in the book, what was in their heads, and what was in their hearts.
3. Student will fill out a compare and contrast chart for Wildfire and My Wounded Island. After students have completed their charts, they will have a book club discussion. They will not only discuss climate change, but how it can affect the people in a specific environment. They can use the other texts to contribute more facts and information into their discussions.

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1. In groups, students will discuss ways that they can combat climate change. They will then choose an idea and create a school wide initiative. They will create informational posters, digital posters, videos, whatever they choose to get their message across. The goal is to inform the rest of the school about climate change and ways they can help.
2. Students will conduct research and write persuasive letters to a person, place, business, organization of their choosing to persuade them to help fight the effects of climate change. They can write the letter to the government, large companies responsible for waste and carbon emissions, etc.
3. As a class, we will brainstorm ways that we can help the environment in our own classroom. We will create a list of things that we can do daily to help the environment and actually do them. We will then create a video explaining how our class plans to make a difference in the world and combat climate change. We will share this video on Youtube for others to see.

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1. Students will choose to research one animal affected by climate change. They will become an expert on this animal and how it has been impacted. Each child will create a Powerpoint or Google Slides presentation to share with the class.
2.  Students will write a letter to a climate change expert and share there opinions and questions. Students can include facts and information in their letters as well.
3. Students will create their own short stories, either fiction or non-fiction, that depicts how climate change can effect people. They can write about a personal experience, or make up a story based on climate change facts.