GIRLS,ACTIVISM AND THE


BY JENNIFER REID


limate change is an issue of critical im- portance for every- one, but particularly for children. Accord- ing to many scientists the world might only have eight years in


tributed to the pandemic; however, students often list other global issues, particularly cli- mate change, as having a significant impact on their mental health. Joan Baez is famously quoted as saying


which to significantly reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. Now is the time to be teaching this to younger students. Any discussion with children about cli-


mate change should be both honest and optimistic. Part of the challenge is the over- whelming nature of this issue; it is a mas- sive problem and not only are we not doing enough to create change, the messages from adults are often inconsistent. Children are dealing with a variety of challenges that con- tribute to anxiety and fear, from peer pres- sure to the war in Ukraine and more. In the last two years the mental health issues chil- dren are dealing with have largely been at-


24 ETFO VOICE | WINTER 2022


“action is the antidote to despair,” and her words could not be more true today. My goal as an educator is to empower young people to become activists, to create change in their community and in the world and to use the Ontario curriculum to share this deep learning. Several young women have led the world


ENVIRONMENT C


in the fight against climate change. They have defined what it means to be a climate activist. Greta Thunberg, Autumn Peltier, Milou Albrecht and more have spoken publicly and articulately to both people and politicians around the world. These dynamic leaders serve as role models for all students, but particularly girls and demonstrate that they can play a role in the fight against climate change. They stand for action.


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