Posts tagged as: Sustainability

What Does Climate Change Mean to You?

“Climate change is very important as it’s caused by a major gas in the sky. This is important as it’s like a blanket over the earth. It’s making the cooler places vulnerable as its destroying animals’ habitats. This will cause extinction which is not good for the planet.”

“The earth is getting hotter, this affects everything. The sea and the icebergs which will melt, and the sea will take over some land.”

“In the future I know that there could be very extensive issues regarding the land and sea levels. This will cause floods as well which will destroy homes and will cause refugees. This is really bad as we eventually will not have enough space in the world for 7.6 billion people and rising.”

When You Think of The Future, What Does the World Look Like?

“I think there will be a lot of droughts and islands will be swallowed by the ocean. Also, there may be incredible devastating changes of time length in seasons.”

“In the future we might all drive electric cars and power turbines driven by wind. Houses will have solar panel on the roofs to get their energy and electric cars being charged at supermarkets and other points will be a common sight.”

“The climate is going to get hotter which will affect the whole planet and the melting of ice caps.”

How Does Climate Change Affect People and Animals Around The World?

“Rain forests are becoming extinct, which is affecting the animals on the planet. There are also more forest fires because of the rise in the earth’s temperature which are killing precious forests and their habitat.”

“The rise in temperature is causing droughts in some countries, like in third world countries who already suffer from food shortages.”

“In the future I know that there could be very extensive issues regarding the land and sea levels. This will cause floods as well which will destroy homes and will cause refugees.”

How Does Climate Change Affect You and Your Future?

“I’m not really sure but I think it could mess up my job and the vehicles I use. It could end up were humanity ends from the rising sea.”

“If the ozone layer was to collapse this would have a huge effect on the planet and the sun would pass harmful rays to us increasing in skin cancer to adults and eventually this could wipe out life on the planet.”

“I think we eventually will not have enough space in the world for 7.6 billion people and increasing population.”

If You Could Say One Thing to Older People About Climate Change, What Would You Say?

“I’d persuade them to agree and make a difference like Greta Thunberg. I would also make a huge difference myself.”

“Older people could be blamed for the damage done to the planet. Maybe older people need to be a bit more educated on the way they can change and make small changes like recycling, using less energy. “

“Plant more trees and cut down on the number of flights to cut down on the CO2 emissions.”

Biomes & Ecosystems

Around the world, there are many different types of biomes.

Biomes are large areas of land that each have their own climates, landscapes, plants, and animals. Different types of biomes are told apart by:

• How wet or dry they are
• How hot or cold they are
• How well things can grow there

These factors affect what kind of plants and animals can live in each biome. Different biomes might include rainforests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, or tundra.

Each biome also has its own unique ecosystems. An ecosystem is the way living and non-living things interact with each other in nature. Living things, like plants, animals, and insects, interact with non-living things, like soil, water, and air. All these things rely on one another to sustain life.

However, because of climate change and greenhouse gases, the characteristics of biomes are changing. As the world gets warmer, so do biomes. Their weather is rapidly changing, making some biomes wetter than usual, and some biomes dryer.

In the tundra – some the coldest places on earth – ice is melting and changing the landscape. In rainforests, warmer temperatures and deforestation mean that trees cannot produce as much rain as they used to. Changes in temperature and moisture like these affect the ecosystems in each biome, making it harder to sustain life.

Plants

Each biome has a variety of different plants living in it. Some biomes have more plant varieties, and some have less. This all depends on the climate of each individual biome, and how well plants can grow there.

The plants that do live in each biome have adapted well to their environments. This means they can deal with the different temperatures and conditions.

In Grassland biomes, the plants growing there are adapted to deal with high levels of wind and dry soil. Meanwhile, in Tropical Rain Forest biomes, plants have adapted to warm, dark and very wet conditions, such as growing pointy tips or larger roots.

Adaptation takes many years, and, unlike animals or humans, plants cannot move to find a new environment that suits them better. They are rooted down, and rely on air, water, and animals to disperse their seeds.

So, when the conditions of a biome change due to global warming, plants can suffer. Some plant species can tolerate changes in environment, while other plants can go extinct if there are too many changes in temperature, water and sunlight.

Animals

There are also hundreds of animals and plants living in each biome. Each animal has evolved over time to be able to survive in the conditions of their biome.

In the tundra, polar bears’ white appearance and thick layers of fat and fur help to camouflage them and protect them from the cold. In contrast, camels living in desert habitats grow large humps of fat on their back that provide them with energy when they cannot access water or food.

Like with plants, changes in climate affect the way animals survive in their biomes. If plants struggle to grow due to changes to their environment, then animals may not have enough to eat. They may also not have enough vegetation to build homes or nests, meaning they cannot reproduce safely. Changes in temperature might also mean that some animals are waking from hibernation sooner than they usually do.

Unlike plants, some animals can migrate or move to new habitats that better suit their living needs. However, this is not always possible, and many animals who cannot migrate might go hungry, or even extinct.

Humans

Unfortunately, scientists believe that humans are the main cause of climate change.

Our activity over the last few hundred years has caused a rise in greenhouse gas emissions, which heat up the earth’s atmosphere. Not only do the effects of climate change have an impact on animals, plants, and ecosystems – they also have an impact on humans too.

While we might find it easier to adapt to changes in climate and heat waves –we can wear thinner clothes when it’s warmer – we are also at risk. Because of climate change, new human health risks and diseases will steadily emerge as time goes on.

The health effects of climate change could include more infectious viruses and diseases, as well as injuries and/or deaths related to extreme weather events. Changes in food availability (because of plants not being able to grow) will also likely affect humans in the future.

How Humans Can Help

When it comes to climate change, while it might seem scary, not all is lost!

There is still plenty that humans can do to help reverse the effects of climate change. If we act soon, we can preserve the environment for ecosystems, plants, animals, and humans.

Humans can relocate plants and animals that are struggling in their environments, moving them to areas that are better suited for their needs. This helps to keep plant and animal species from dying out and becoming extinct but is not a permanent solution.

Another way that humans can help climate change is by preserving natural environments. For example, conserving a forest might involve making sure that a limited number of trees can be cut down per year. Or, making sure that humans are not allowed to interfere with certain parts (or all) of the forest.

One of the ways you and your family can help climate change at home is by being more eco-conscious in your choices. This might include using a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic water bottle or walking or cycling instead of driving to places. You might also wish to volunteer for or donate to some climate-change charities.

Further Resources

For more information and resources on climate change, take a look at:
• Young People’s Trust For the Environment
• Fridays For Future
• Practical Action

You can also check out these children’s books on climate change to find out more about the environment, and how we can help it.

Global sea levels are rising faster today than ever recorded before, and the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is higher than it has been in three million years.

When it comes to fighting climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost. Knowing where to start can be challenging and can even lead to feelings of worry. You might even experience some climate anxiety.

However, it’s not all hopeless! Across the UK (and the world) there are various climate change charities dedicated to reducing humanity’s carbon footprint. These charities work hard to reverse ecological damage and the effects of global warming.

One of the best ways you can show your love for our planet is by donating to one of these charities. Your donation will support them to continue their work in preserving the environment.

We’ll be making donations to each of the charities listed below, and we encourage our community to do the same. Together, we can contribute to building a better, brighter and more stable future for all our children and young people.

Donating to one of these climate change charities is just one of many ways in which you can show your support in the battle against climate change.

If you’re interested in sustainability and topics surrounding climate change, and want to switch to a  greener lifestyle, check out our Sustainable Swaps for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle here.

Alternatively, you can read more about our sustainability mission, including our sustainability commitment and our ESG Report.

As of 2021, the planet’s temperature has risen by 2.12 degrees since the late 19^th century, with most of this warming occurring the last 40 years. But it’s not too late to help reverse some of the effects of climate change!

April is our Sustainability month at Compass. We’ve been looking at the different ways our community can reduce their carbon footprint. This includes making combatting climate change at home, or teaching children about climate change with these activities and books.

However, we recognise the need for balance when it comes to discussions about climate change. We want to empower our community with the knowledge to act against climate change. However, we don’t want to induce feelings of hopelessness, doom, or climate-related anxiety.

That’s why, in this article, we’re taking the time to celebrate 5 positive new stories about climate change. These stories feature successful action that is being taken to combat global warming around the world.

This collection of positive news on climate change is sure to lift your spirits. It’s also among lots of other positive climate change news stories that are worth celebrating! If you’re interested in sustainability, and want to know how you can adjust your lifestyle to make it greener, check out our Sustainable Swaps for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle here.

Alternatively, you can read more of our sustainability articles, including our sustainability commitment and our ESG Report.

Understanding climate change and the need for sustainability can be a difficult topic to tackle when it comes to children.

If these topics are not explored or introduced in a safe, child-friendly manner, children run the risk of developing climate anxiety – creating feelings of helplessness, powerlessness and a sense of impending doom.

At Compass, we are dedicated to combatting issues of sustainability throughout our community, committed to promoting sustainable and fair practices across our organisation, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We feel it is vital that children are empowered with the knowledge and information regarding climate change, as the implications of global warming directly concern their futures.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of some climate change activities for kids that will support your child’s learning and facilitate various discussions about climate change, including what we can do to keep our planet healthy for years to come.

These are just a few simple suggestions for helping your children learn about climate change and sustainability in an engaging and hands-on way, encouraging them to leave the planet in a better condition than they found it in.

Read more about our sustainability mission, including our sustainability commitment and our ESG Report, you can.

You can also check out our recommendations for children’s books on climate change.

Have Your Home Assessed

Making sure your home is as energy-saving as possible is one of the chief ways individuals can contribute to the fight against climate change. As well as reducing their impact on the environment, individuals whose households are optimised for efficient and sustainable energy usage benefit from lower energy bills throughout the year.

The UK Government Green Deal scheme supports UK homeowners in making energy-saving improvements to their homes, including finding the best way to pay for them, such as a Green Deal loan (which must be paid back).

These home improvements range from new insulation, to improved heating, to draught-proofing and double glazing – all of which help homeowners save money on energy bills and contribute toward the reduction of carbon emissions.

The UK Government recommends talking to a Green Deal assessor or provider to find out if your home could benefit from energy-saving improvements.

Use an Energy Efficiency Calculator

Another way that you can ensure your household is using energy as efficiently as possible is by consulting the Energy Efficiency Calculator.

The Energy Efficiency Calculator uses data about your property and the information you give about your general energy usage to provide personalised advice that will help to reduce your energy consumption.

Working in conjunction with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy, the Energy Efficiency Calculator is a useful tool for individuals looking for insightful and actionable information regarding energy efficiency and consumption.

Seek Out Sustainable Energy

In addition to ensuring your home is using energy efficiently, choosing a renewable energy provider is important in fighting climate change and going green.

Across the UK, there are various energy providers that offer clean, renewable energy to their customers.

Renewable energy refers to energy that is sustainably sourced and does not run out. Unlike traditional energy sources, such as coal, renewable energy production harnesses the power of nature to produce eco-friendly energy that does not impact the environment.

Some examples of renewable energy production include solar energy from the sun, wind energy, or hydropower generated from flowing water.

Ditch the Dryer

Though undeniably useful, tumble dryers draw an awful lot of energy when in use – roughly 4.5 kWh per cycle. This costs the average tumble dryer owner 4p per cycle. Depending on how much you use your tumble dryer, the costs certainly add up.

What’s more shocking, however, is the impact that tumble dryers have on the environment. One tumble dryer emits 432kg of carbon dioxide a year, which is more than a tree in the UK can absorb over the course of the first 50 years of its lifespan.

Air-drying clothes not only saves homeowners money, but also greatly reduces the impact that doing your laundry can have on the environment.

Clothes horses or washing lines can be used both indoors and outside, are better for the climate, and even come with a wealth of additional benefits, such as increasing the longevity and quality of your clothes.

Cut Your Water Wastage

In the UK, the average person uses 150 litres of water each day. Though there aren’t necessarily any water shortages in the UK, household water usage has a startingly big impact on the environment.

Cleaning wastewater on a national scale is an energy-intensive process. Wastewater treatment plants consume between 1 and 3% of global energy output, making it problematic when it comes to sustainability.

Taking shorter showers or turning off the tap when you wash your hands or brush your teeth are easy, productive ways to reduce your individual environmental impact.

According to the Eden Project, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth saves 6 litres of water per minute, while showering uses anything between 6 and 45 litres of water per minute – which is why showers should be kept short and sweet if individuals are concerned about climate change.

Bike or Walk to Work

It’s no surprise that cars are bad for the environment. Running on fossil fuels – like petrol and diesel – and accounting for 22% of the total UK CO2 emissions, cars are a major contributor to climate change.

Air pollution caused by exhaust fumes pose a detrimental risk to the environment, and to public health. According to Imperial College London, thousands of Londoners are hospitalised each year due to harmful air pollution.

Opting for greener transport alternatives, like cycling or walking, not only benefits the environment, but your own mental health and wellbeing too. Alternatively, for longer journeys, try making use of public transport or sharing car journeys with colleagues and friends!

Try Composting

Across the globe, waste management strategies present an ongoing issue for the environment. Landfills generate high levels of methane gas and CO2 as rubbish rots in the ground, accelerating the process of global warming and releasing a variety of toxic substances, such as arsenic or mercury.

In 2018, the UK produced 222.2 million tonnes of waste. In the UK, each person generates around 170kg of organic waste each year.

Composting organic waste – waste that comes from a plant or animal – allows waste to be broken down aerobically, meaning it is a much greener alternative to landfills. Unlike when waste is sent to landfill, composting does not produce the same harmful greenhouse gas emissions, instead drawing on natural decomposition aids like microbes, insects, worms, and fungi.

Household compost bins are generally affordable and can even be DIY’ed, making them a good alternative for individuals looking to opt for more sustainable waste disposal practices.

Tidy – Emily Gravett

This endearing illustrated children’s book written by Emily Gravett tells the rhyming story of Pete, a badger, and his mission to be neat and tidy at all times.

Obsessed with tidying, Pete sweeps away dead trees, prunes flowers and bags stray sticks – none of which is enough. But what will happen when Pete’s tidiness goes too far, and he concretes over the entire forest?

A charming story, ‘Tidy’ highlights the importance of preserving nature, inspiring conversations about environmental conservation and keeping local habitats safe and rubbish-free.

Somebody Swallowed Stanley – Sarah Roberts

As read by Tom Hardy on Cbeebies Bedtime Stories, this thought-provoking children’s book. follows the tale of Stanley, the plastic bag who is lost at sea.

Stanley, a plastic shopping bag, is often mistaken for a Jellyfish because of his red stripes and handles. He’s not a jellyfish, but that doesn’t stop other creatures from mistaking him for a tasty treat, which creates all kinds of problems.

This fun, informative book teaches child and adult readers alike an incredibly poignant message about plastic pollution, touching on themes of sustainability and similar environmental issues.

What A Waste – Jess French

Did you know that every single plastic toothbrush ever made still exists? Aimed at slightly older readers (7-9 years old), this educational book will teach budding environmentalists all about climate change and the impact that human activity has on the planet.

This lively kid’s book uses a mixture of illustrations and real-life photos to deliver facts and information about climate change, explaining to children what’s going wrong – but also, what they (and the world) can do to help.

Filled with fascinating facts, tidbits and advice, this book is ideal for empowering children who might be feeling helpless or powerless in the fight against climate change.

Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet – Lauren Child

You might be familiar with the much-loved sibling duo from Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola. In this rendition of the Charlie and Lola stories, Lola and Charlie are clearing out Lola’s room.

Surrounded by clutter, Lola wants to throw away as much as possible – until Charlie convinces her that she should recycle her things instead. With help from Charlie, Lola learns all about the importance or recycling and the way it helps our planet.

Already loved by children across the world, this illustrated book pairs the charming antics of Charlie and Lola with a powerful message about recycling, eco-friendliness, and climate change.

Clean Up! – Nathan Byron

Illustrated by Dapo Adeola, this energetic tale tells the story of Rocket, who is visiting her grandparents on their Caribbean island home during the holidays.

But, while exploring the island, Rocket is horrified to find the island covered in plastic. Shocked by the pollution spoiling the island and endangering local sea life, Rocket and her friend Teresa comes up with a spectacular plan.

Charged with humour and filled with gorgeous illustrations, this children’s book delivers an important message about pollution in a thoughtful, sensitive, and age-appropriate manner.

Why Do We Need Fairtrade?

Around the world, there are millions of people who are not being paid the right amount of money for the work they are doing.

A lot of these people are farmers, who work hard to provide us with things like food, coffee, flowers and building materials – despite going hungry themselves.

Sadly, around 80% of the people living in poverty globally live in rural areas and rely on farming to make a living – living on as little as $1.25 (95p) a day. They may have to work in unsafe working conditions that might risk their health and safety. Some of the workers may also be children, who are too young to be working.

Often, when you pay for an item – like a banana – very little of the money that you pay actually goes to the person who grew the banana. This is because a lot of the food and goods that we buy are imported from poorer countries, where they have been bought by big companies and then shipped to our supermarkets.

Big companies and organisations try to spend as little money as possible when they are buying food and produce from farmers, so that they can make a profit and keep most of the money they make for themselves.

This means that they often pay farmers much less than they should for their produce – making it an ‘unfair’ trade.

• How would you feel if you only received a little bit of the money for something that you worked really hard to make?
• Do you think you and your family could live on 95p a day?

How Does Fairtrade Help?

Fairtrade exists to make sure that the benefits of trade (and the money made) is shared out more equally, making sure that farmers receive a fair price for everything they sell.

Fairtrade also makes sure that the farmers can work safely and in better conditions, making sure they are old enough and fit enough to do the job.

When working in The Fairtrade system, farmers and workers are paid fairly for the goods they make. Fairtrade workers have a minimum price that makes sure they cannot be paid anything lower than a certain amount for their produce. This stops big companies from underpaying farmers.

Fairtrade prices also make sure that farmers can grow their crops in a sustainable way. This means that farmers can use farming methods that are environmentally friendly and do not hurt the climate or local wildlife and ecosystems.

All the farmers and workers that work under fairtrade are also given something called a ‘fairtrade premium.’ This is extra money – a little bit like pocket money – that is paid on top of the money they are given for their goods.

This money is used by the farmers to invest in their business or can be used to improve their local community – such as building a children’s playground or helping to refurbish a school.

• What are some ways that farming could hurt the environment?
• What kinds of things would you spend your fairtrade premium on?

How Many People Work In Fairtrade?

Overall, there are 1.9 million farmers and workers that are involved in fairtrade worldwide.

These people live and work in 72 different countries and territories and produce more than 35,000 different products that we can find in our supermarkets.

47% if all fairtrade farmers produce coffee that is sold across the globe, while 41% of fairtrade farmers produce beautiful flowers and plants.

Fairtrade has a great impact of the lives of farmers and workers, as well as the environment. Fairtrade means that farmers can put food on their tables, afford healthcare and education, and take control of their lives and their futures.

• Other than coffee and flowers, what kinds of things might these farmers grow?
• If you were a farmer, what would you grow?

How Can You and Your Family Support Fairtrade?

One of the best and easiest ways for people to get involved in fairtrade is to buy fairtrade products at the supermarket.

This means keeping an eye out for the fairtrade sticker, as this will let you know whether the food or product is fairtrade. The fairtrade sticker means that the farmer or worker who made that product was paid a fair price for their work.

Some of the easy-to-spot fairtrade foods and products include:

• Chocolate
• Flowers
• Bananas
• Mangos
• Pineapples
• Coffee
• Tea
• Sugar

You could also get involved in different fundraising activities to help support fairtrade and make sure that workers and farmers across the globe also have access to fair pay.

Further Resources

• Download a National Geographic Kids Fairtrade resource here
• Check out CBBC’s Fairtrade Explanation
• Find out how Fairtrade changed Foncho’s Life
• Follow the journey of a Cocoa Bean to a Chocolate Bar

Spotting The Symptoms of Climate Anxiety

If you’re concerned that your child might be experiencing climate anxiety, there are a few signs that you can look out for.Conversations about and depictions of climate change are coming increasingly common in the media. There is a strong chance that your child or young person has seen or heard about the effects of climate change in the media, which might be causing them some distress.

The symptoms of climate anxiety are very similar to the symptoms of standard anxiety in children. Symptoms include:
• Difficulty sleeping (Insomnia, bad dreams)
• Changes in appetite (overeating, or refusing to eat)
• Emotional outbursts
• Tearfulness
• Stomach-aches
• Headaches
• Feeling generally unwell
• Obsessive thoughts
• Fidgeting or restlessness
• Unusually clingy

If your child is suffering from climate anxiety or climate-related worries, you might also notice them making unusual comments about nature, animals, natural disasters, or the future.

These comments might sound something like:
• “Will polar bears exist when I am older?”
• “Is the world going to end?”
• “What if there are no trees left in the world?”
• “The future is scary.”
• “There is no point getting a job when I am older.”
• “I don’t think I will be able to have children.”
• “Why don’t more people care about animals?”

Don’t Dismiss Your Child’s Anxieties

Your first instinct might be to minimise your child’s anxiety by downplaying the realities of climate change. You might want to reassure your child by telling them that climate change is nothing to worry about.

While this is completely justified, this may actually do more harm than good for your child in the long term. Statements like these imply that your child’s anxieties are unreasonable or unwarranted, which might invalidate their feelings and, in turn, increase their worry.

Part of climate anxiety is the feeling that older generations and governments have responded inadequately to the climate crisis, making children and young people feel ignored or dismissed.

Try asking your child about their anxieties, and how they feel about climate change, being sure to validate their experience. If they don’t want to talk, reassure them that this is also fine; you are available to talk any time they might need it.

Find Balance & Perspective

While you should avoid minimising your child’s anxieties about climate change, it’s also important to ensure they do not become overwhelmed by the distressing realities of global warming.

Talking to your children about climate change involves finding a balance between honesty and reassurance. Being transparent about the effects of climate change often helps to alleviate anxiety, rather than increasing it, helping children to gain some much-needed perspective.

Ensuring your child is adequately informed about climate change provides them with the knowledge and understanding to cope with it.

Resources like this online children’s guide from NASA, or this article from National Geographic Kids, are full of child-friendly information and useful facts about climate change.

You can also educate your children about climate change by reading children’s books on climate change or watching nature documentaries together.

Redirect Their Attention to Positive Action

Climate “Doomsday” Reporting is becoming increasingly prevalent in modern day media. You’ve likely seen various news headlines on climate change, reporting on the way in which climate change is affecting European birds, or that the Amazon rainforest is at its ‘tipping point’.

These headlines, while undoubtedly important, do little good for children and young people who are concerned about climate change. Unrestricted news consumption exposes children to some of the harsher realities of climate change, many of which they are not psychologically ready to digest.

To combat climate anxiety and reduce worry, focus on redirecting your child’s attention to more positive climate news, like the fact that cities across the world are working hard to become carbon neutral.

Positive, action-based climate news will keep your child informed, whilst also helping them to feel less hopeless. Good news about climate change is important for maintaining a sense of hope about the future, showing your child that the responsibility for climate change doesn’t solely rest on their shoulders.

Empower Them to Make a Difference

Many children and young people feel powerless when it comes to climate change.

Involving your child in climate-oriented activities will help to make them feel like they are making a difference. Consider the kinds of sustainable swaps that you and your child can take to reduce your environmental impact, like reducing meat consumption, turning off the lights and recycling.

You can also guide your child toward participating in community wildlife conservation and volunteering activities.

Encouraging your child to take individual action against climate change will empower them, reinstating them with a sense of control and purpose.

Further Resources

For more information and resources that will help you talk to your children about climate change, take a look at:
• Young People’s Trust For the Environment
• Fridays For Future
• Practical Action