| The argument can be said that climate change is not | | | | carbon emissions. The fact that they contribute to a |
| really happening. It has been said by some that it is a | | | | sustainable lifestyle is a big plus considering they are |
| large money making/brain washing niche with little | | | | sensible and effective practises for anyone's lifestyle. |
| evidence to support its actual threat to our lives and to | | | | And were perhaps a way of living in the past that |
| earth. Even scientists are disagreeing with each other | | | | was underestimated. So even if Climate Change |
| on this topic too. So, should we be teaching about the | | | | turned out to be a myth or not as severe as we |
| need for 'sustainable lifestyles due to climate change' | | | | originally thought, we are living more efficiently. No |
| to young children? Is it necessary? Depressing? | | | | harm in that! |
| Untrue? All of these are valid points. But I would like | | | | Reason 3: Why would we not want to care for our |
| you to consider the following reasons for teaching | | | | environment? Essentially, teaching about climate |
| 'Sustainability' and as educators, our role here in this | | | | change is teaching about respect for our earth, the |
| area. | | | | animals, the biodiversity and interdependence among |
| Reason 1: Well, we really don't know how severely the | | | | living things and the wonder of science that has been |
| climate is changing. We can however recognise that it | | | | around since the very beginning. An appreciation of this |
| is. We could then do nothing in the event that it isn't | | | | in children is vital for the future of our world. Especially |
| true. But in the event that it is (which may occur as far | | | | since it is the children and their view that will be highly |
| as ten or more years down the track), it may be too | | | | influential when they are out in the workplace with |
| late to rectify or slow it down. Prevention is always | | | | careers that are yet to be invented in some cases. |
| better than a cure. | | | | The foundations for this appreciation are set in their |
| Reason 2: The things that we are teaching children are | | | | early years of schooling. |
| easy, cheap and generally good, ethical ways of living. | | | | Reason 4: The empowerment experienced by children |
| Who wants an expensive electricity bill when it can be | | | | when they are given opportunities to make a |
| lowered substantially through awareness? Lights can | | | | difference and create change is truly inspiring. Those |
| be used less and more efficiently. Suggestions like | | | | skills in communication, creativity, thinking and problem |
| walking/riding instead of driving, saving water, reducing | | | | solving and enrolling others for a cause will always be |
| waste and recycling more, composting, growing | | | | necessary for whatever they undertake in life. |
| vegetables, solar power and efficient heating and | | | | Reason 5: It fits into the Science and Society & |
| cooling have their own benefits in addition to reducing | | | | Environment curriculum and includes essential learnings. |