A new creative campaign from 100Green asked a group of British children draw what they think the world would look like in 100 years with – and without – a widespread change to green energy to combat climate change, and revealed some worrying results with children expressing feelings of anxiety.

The UK’s only 100% green gas and renewable electricity supplier asked children aged 10 and 11 on their feelings around climate change and predictions for the future. This comes after research from Save the Children found that an astounding 70% of children between the ages of 12 and 18 in the UK struggle with “climate anxiety” – a term used to describe any distress people may feel about climate change and its impacts.

What do kids think about climate change? 

Previous research found that over 4 in 5 (84%) think that there isn’t enough support from the government to allow the UK to become fully powered by renewable energy any time soon. And this is something echoed by children, as Sophie, age 10, thinks the government should be doing more to help climate change.

Keyaan, age 11, worries that we’ll need to move to Mars if climate change continues. And Jack, age 10, says if he could choose, he would put a stop to climate change altogether. 

Many of the children we spoke to told us climate change worries them, with Kali, age 11, telling us it scares her, but she’s not sure what to do. 

For those looking to help their children navigate any climate concerns, 100Green have put together their top five tips for parents looking to address the issue with their children, and help them cope. 

Set an example and take action

To help children with negative feelings towards climate change, it’s crucial to set a good example in our everyday behaviours.

By adding small things to fight climate change in your day to day life, you can instill climate conscious habits in them and show that they can have an impact. This could be small actions such as learning how to recycle properly, shopping second hand or even just making sure you switch off the lights when you’re not using them. 

Helping them with small practical steps that they can action is a great way to validate their feelings while helping build up their confidence in climate activism.  

Educate yourself first

Just like adults, children are often afraid of the unknown. When they hear about climate change on the television or the radio, it’s easy for them to become anxious. 

Try to keep yourself in-the-know of how climate change is currently affecting our planet. Then, you can help educate your children by explaining the basics of where climate change comes from and how it affects our planet to them, in a way that’s appropriate for their age. 

If you notice they’ve heard a story about climate change on the news, take the time to explain what it means and how it affects them, as they may be silently worrying about it without you being aware. 

Get out in nature 

Getting children out in nature is a great way to connect with the planet in a positive way. Spending time in nature is proven to reduce our stress levels, and gives children a hands-on way to have a positive impact on the planet. 

For example, you could help them create a mini-garden to take care of on their own, plant trees with an organised group in your local community, or even just take them on a wildlife spotting walk. This mix of creativity and education will give them a positive example of green space and wildlife, that allows them to feel involved and will battle any feelings of powerlessness or anxiety. 

Keep things positive

While it can sometimes feel like the news is overwhelmingly doom and gloom these days, there’s plenty of positives to talk about when it comes to the progress against climate change. To help you teach them about the positives too, 100Green collated some fun, educational facts you can share with your children.

While we are still very dependent on fossil fuels, more than 30% of the world’s electricity now comes from renewables. For the UK, this number sits at around 40%.

Renewables generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption in 2022 – the highest number recorded to date.  

Whales help to absorb carbon dioxide from the oceans. Scientists have made estimates that a single whale has the ability to capture the same CO2 from the atmosphere as 1,000 trees. All the more reason to protect whales!

Get support

If feel you’re not able to teach your children about climate change in a way you’d like to, NASA and NatGeoKids have lots of great kid-friendly resources for climate change, with everything from explaining the effects of climate change, as well as how to stop climate change. 

Similarly, if you’re worried about any serious anxieties your child has about climate change, there are lots of ways to get support. Many organisations, including Mind and Young Minds offer mental help support over the phone or online for young people and their guardians. 

If you think your child needs more help than you or one of these organisations can offer, arrange an appointment with your GP. 

Doug Stewart, Chairman of 100Green said:  “We all wonder how our actions today will impact future generations, but at 100Green we thought it was important to also look at it the other way, and ask the current generation of kids about their views on climate change and the impact it has on them now.

“As we progress towards climate and net zero targets, in a 24 hours news environment, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that children as young as 10 have genuine anxiety about what the world will look like when they grow up.’ 

“As a parent myself, we sought to create an environmentally conscious home, with a focus on solutions – rather than the negative consequences of our addiction to fossil fuels.

“Climate change is still seen as something to worry about in the future, however, positive, small actions now can have a massive impact on the footprint we leave behind for future generations.

Chris Greer, regulation director at 100Green, has two young children and he put it this way: “Being part of the solution rather than the problem is key to tackling climate change. Using green energy to power and heat our homes, adopting electric vehicles, and rediscovering nature and community are not only key for a cleaner future, but are positive actions that can help alleviate anxiety. No one wants our kids growing up in fear.”