Let’s Talk Science report highlights impact of environmental programming for youth

Climate change is a key challenge and threat of our time. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and plastics and transitioning to sustainable energy and materials are urgently needed to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, which include severe weather, health risks, biodiversity loss and more. Education will be key to helping youth develop the skills and attitudes they will need to thrive and lead a low carbon, sustainable future.

In celebration of Earth Month, Let’s Talk Science, a national partner in education dedicated to empowering all youth through STEM education, is releasing its Climate Programming Impact Report 2021-2025, “Building a Sustainable Future: How Education Can Empower Educators and Youth.” The Report highlights the organization’s Early Years to Grade 12 / Sec V programming that fosters climate awareness and action among youth, made possible through funding primarily from the Government of Canada, through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

The Report emphasizes the pressing need for climate and sustainability education in Canadian schools, noting that it is now inconsistent. Let’s Talk Science is working to address this gap by providing youth-oriented educational content, equipping educators with quality, science-based resources, and raising awareness about future careers in English and French at no cost.

Key outcomes and benefits of Let’s Talk Science’s climate science education programming to date include:

• Increased Youth Engagement: Almost 1.3 million youth interactions in climate science and sustainability programming between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2025.
• Enhanced Understanding and Action: 88% of youth participants reported increased understanding of climate change, and 84% indicated they are more likely to take action to combat it.
• Empowering Programs:Initiatives like Climate Action Lab, Clothing4Climate, and Travel4Climate are equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to address climate change in meaningful ways in their communities.
• Educator Support:Let’s Talk Science provides professional learning programs and resources to educators, enabling them to effectively integrate climate science into their teaching.

“This Report underscores the vital role of education in empowering youth to tackle climate change,” says Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science. “We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada and other funders to provide accessible and engaging programming that is relevant, inspires positive action and helps youth develop critical thinking skills and career awareness that will help them build a sustainable future.”

To learn more about Let’s Talk Science programming and to read the full report, visit letstalkscience.ca/research-publications.   

Featured image credit: Getty Images