Parenting in a Climate Crisis – A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action – A greener life, a greener world

By Anders Lorenzen

In today’s information-driven world, parents are bombarded with advice on how to raise their children. A recurring debate revolves around whether to shield children from distressing news or involve them in understanding complex issues such as climate change.

As with many other parents, striking the right balance can often be challenging. Children can comprehend more than we give them credit for, and engaging them in discussions rather than over-protecting them can lead to better outcomes.

With global crises dominating the headlines—from geopolitical tensions to the escalating climate emergency—it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Bridget Shirvell’s Parenting in a Climate Crisis: A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action offers a refreshing perspective on how parents can navigate these challenges with their children.

The Author’s journey

Shirvell, a US-based freelance environmental reporter, opens the book by tackling a critical question: How do we talk to our children about climate change? She reflects on her own experience, imagining a question from her daughter—Why did you have me, knowing what you knew?—which prompts her to examine the inevitability of children discovering the reality of climate change, whether we discuss it with them or not.

For Shirwell, the answer became clear when wildfires in California made the air quality so poor that her family could not step outside. Shielding children from climate change is neither practical nor fair—they will encounter its effects first-hand.

A compelling and simple argument

“While it is tempting to hide the climate crisis from our children as long as we can—after all, we want the world to be perfect for them—they need to know, and they deserve to know,” Shirwell writes.

This statement encapsulates the book’s core message: parents should educate and empower their children, rather than shelter them from the reality of climate change.

A tool for parents

Of course within that, there’s several nuances such as what areas to first approach the subject, as to what extent should you explain it first time. Shirvell’sl underlines that it is up to each individual to craft their journey with it. 

But that with this book she wants to give parents the tools to decide upon that. 

The five climate scenarios

To illustrate the urgency of this issue, Shirvell presents five climate scenarios, ranging from the most optimistic to the most dire. Regardless of which scenario unfolds, she argues, today’s children will be affected.

1. Net-zero emissions by 2050 – Warming of around 1.5°C; a best-case scenario where global climate efforts succeed.
2. Net-zero emissions after 2050 – Warming of around 1.8°C; still challenging but with hopeful outcomes.
3. Countries fulfil current climate pledges – Warming of around 2.7°C; significant consequences but still manageable.
4. Global climate cooperation breaks down – Warming of around 3.6°C; severe economic and environmental impacts.
5. No meaningful action is taken – Warming of around 4.4°C; catastrophic effects on the planet and future generations.

Navigating parenting in a climate crisis

Shirvell acknowledges that parenting amid the climate crisis is an overwhelming task. She describes the emotional rollercoaster of climate anxiety—oscillating between fear and the distractions of daily life, such as grocery shopping and watching her child play.

To guide parents through this complexity, the book is divided into four parts:

1. Feel – How to balance honesty with reassurance when discussing climate change with children
2. Love – How love, happiness, and passion can counteract climate grief
3. Build – Tactical advice on leading an eco-conscious lifestyle and building resilience
4. Act – How small actions can contribute to larger environmental movements

Who Should Read This Book?

One could say I’m biased, but this book really should for all parents. But it is especially essential read for parents who are concerned about the climate crisis, or has children who are already concerned, educators, schools, institutions and caregivers who want to equip children with the knowledge and resilience needed to face an uncertain future. 

Whether you are already engaged in climate change, or simply is concerned and worried and unsure where and how to start – Shirwell’s research insights offer a thoughtful and empowering guide.

Final thoughts

Shirvell presents a compelling and compassionate roadmap for parents worried, concerned or anxious about the climate crisis. 

With the book she gets around many areas – from emotional resilience and open conversations to joy and solutions to collective and personal actions. 

The climate challenges you face is obviously very dependant where in the world you are. While the real-life examples in this book is from the US, the techniques, advice, solutions and practical and creative ideas is universal.

A clear message

For this climate-conscious parent, the key takeaway is clear:

We cannot—and should not—hide the climate crisis from our children. They need to know, and they deserve the chance to be part of the solution.

Parenting in a Climate Crisis: A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action was released in the US and UK in February with the paperback being released the 13th of March 2025 in the UK. It can be purhased here.

You can see more of Bridget’s reflection on parenting and the climate crisis on her Substack.

Anders Lorenzen is the founding Editor of A greener life, a greener world.