As Malta and the world grapple with the realities of climate change, the urgency to educate younger generations about sustainability and environmental action has never been greater.
While schools play a pivotal role in teaching climate literacy from an early age, new research underscores that such efforts to empower children must extend beyond school walls and the vital contribution parents can make in supporting this education and preparing children for a greener future.
Recent findings from research conducted by the present author reveal that education is not just a tool but a solution to the climate crisis. The study highlights that parental involvement is essential in complementing classroom efforts to nurture informed, engaged and proactive young citizens.
Parents are indispensable partners in shaping climate-conscious mindsets early on. Families can create environments where children feel encouraged to explore solutions, engage critically and take collective action on climate issues.
Challenges in a changing climate
Despite the growing awareness of climate change, many parents feel ill-equipped to discuss such complex topics with their children. Some may hesitate due to limited knowledge of environmental science or fear of confronting emotionally charged issues like climate anxiety.
According to the recent study, parents of young children often struggle to balance their own climate anxiety while supporting their children’s climate-related emotional responses. The research emphasises that parents’ role in helping their children navigate climate change and climate anxiety, namely worry and fear related to the awareness of climate change impacts, particularly in early childhood, remains underexplored.
The study shows that emotions play a big role. Parents who feel personally connected to the climate crisis and have higher levels of education are more likely to engage with their children on the topic. However, those overwhelmed by anxiety or frustration may avoid these conversations altogether. Addressing these emotional barriers is crucial to empower parents to support their children’s learning.
In Malta, where climate change discussions often intersect with socio-political debates, such as urban development or marine conservation, parents may also face challenges navigating differing perspectives within their communities.
Why parents matter in climate education
Parents are uniquely positioned to reinforce what children learn in school by integrating environmental awareness into everyday life. From discussing sustainability practices at home to engaging in community-led initiatives, families can deepen children’s understanding of both the science behind climate change and its real-world implications.
Indeed, prior research by the present author has shown that when parents actively participate –whether through recycling projects or supporting eco-friendly policies – children are more likely to embrace climate education. Increased interest in climate action in children often inspires families to prioritise these conversations and adopt greener practices.
Closing knowledge gaps
While many Maltese parents express concern about environmental issues, such as rising sea levels or biodiversity loss, misconceptions about climate science remain prevalent. For instance, some still believe that natural phenomena alone drive global warming – a misunderstanding that hinders effective education efforts. Bridging these knowledge gaps is essential for building confidence among parents as they guide their children’s learning.
The study further highlights that while parents express significant concern about the potential impacts of climate change on their children’s health and well-being, they often have a limited understanding of its underlying causes. This underscores the need for resources that can help parents support their children’s understanding of climate change in ways that nurture emotional well-being, resilience and hope.
Adopting creative strategies
To better support climate education at home, parents can adopt creative strategies tailored to Malta’s unique context, including:
• Exploring local environmental topics such as marine conservation or sustainable tourism;
• Encouraging interdisciplinary learning by connecting climate issues with Maltese history, art or literature;
• Involving children in community projects like beach clean-ups or tree-planting initiatives;
• Facilitating open discussions about sustainability practices at home and their relevance to children’s future.
Experiential learning – such as visiting nature reserves or engaging in hands-on activities related to sustainability – can significantly deepen children’s understanding of climate challenges while cultivating curiosity and critical thinking.
Equipping parents for success
To strengthen parental involvement in climate education, accessible resources and learning opportunities are essential. Online platforms, workshops, webinars and community events can also help parents stay informed about evolving scientific knowledge and practical strategies for engaging their children.
Malta’s future depends on empowering today’s youngest generation with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges posed by climate change.
By equipping parents with the tools they need to support this mission, we can ensure that families play an active role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow – for both the nation and the planet.
Jane Spiteri is senior lecturer at the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Education. Her research is primarily guided by Education for Sustainable Development, focusing on early childhood, climate change education, outdoor learning and gifted and talented education.