We The Children - Kids Talk Climate Solutions

Overview

Episodes

Details

Hi! My name’s Zachary Fox-Devol. You can just call me Zach. I might only be 12 years old, but I already have a lot of questions about the environment, how climate change will impact my generation and, most importantly, what we can do to help.

That’s why I started this podcast. We the Children is a place for kids like me to learn more about the climate crisis, and the environment, but have some fun along the way, too. On the show, we’ll explore things like climate change, climate action, severe weather and sustainable living, through conversations with experts, educators, and climate activists. I think that kids like me (and maybe you, reading this right now) have a lot to contribute to the global conversation about our environment. It's not about having all the answers; it's about asking big, important questions to the people who are spending their careers thinking about how we can all take climate action, practice sustainability and build a healthier Earth.

Questions like:

How can students effectively get involved in finding a climate solution? What responsibility do schools and administrators have to ensure students are taught about climate change and what life on Earth will look like in the coming years? Can we prevent biodiversity loss and preserve our wetlands and water sources? Why should we care about the conservation of animals like polar bears? Why do we need to pay attention to severe weather? What is the actual impact of our recycling efforts? What is a “green economy,” and who are the innovators that might help us achieve it?

Each episode is a chance to learn together. Air pollution, biodiversity, carbon footprints–sounds like an earth science class, right? But here's the thing: it's not just about learning big words and what they mean. It's about understanding these concepts’ impact on our world. Together, we’ll navigate the tricky terrain of climate action, exploring what it means for us, for the environment, and the world.

Teachers, consider this podcast a little extra help in your mission to educate the next generation about climate change. We the Children isn't just a show; it's a tool for your climate curriculum arsenal. Climate change is a massive topic but together we'll break it down, one concept, one question at a time. Conservation, sustainability, climate solutions – we'll explore them all.

As for you, my fellow students, this podcast is not homework! This is your invitation to be part of a green movement, to become Earth's guardians. From the green wonders and majestic animals on our planet to the pressing issues of global warming, we'll navigate it all with a sense of wonder and humility. Let's make sustainability cool, like the breeze on a hot day or the gentle rain after a storm. Do you hear a guitar? I might be writing a song here, sorry…

Anyway, I think this stuff is pretty cool, and I’ve learned a lot about it, but I’m not an expert on climate change yet. I'm learning as we go. We the Children is a shared journey of discovery, where your thoughts, questions, and ideas matter just as much as mine. Sustainability, plastic pollution, weather emergencies – they're not just terms; they're pieces of a puzzle we're solving together.

Let's embrace our curiosity, ask the questions that need asking, and, together, work towards a greener, more sustainable world because we, the children, can shape a sustainable and thriving Earth for generations to come.

Please visit wethechildrenpodcast.com for more information and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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Recent Episodes

OCT 31, 2024

Waste Warriors: Annie Leonard’s Eco-Mission

In this episode, we’re learning about the incredible life and work of Annie Leonard—a passionate environmental activist who’s dedicated nearly 50 years to protecting our planet. Annie’s journey began in Seattle, where witnessing clear-cut forests and piles of waste sparked her lifelong commitment to environmental justice.

Her work has since taken her around the world, investigating toxic waste sites and inspiring millions through The Story of Stuff, her groundbreaking film on consumerism. From her leadership at Greenpeace to her current work with the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Annie’s impact is undeniable. She shares powerful insights on the effects of our “love of stuff,” why reducing plastic is about more than just recycling, and how choosing hope can drive meaningful action. So, strap in and join Zach and Clare for an unforgettable conversation with Annie Leonard.

Highlights:

Annie’s beginnings as an environmental activist (04:22)
The impact of The Story of Stuff and the rise of consumer culture (08:10)
Plastic waste and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (13:20)
Systemic solutions vs. individual recycling (16:30)
The importance of hope in climate action (25:45)

Links:

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit our website wethechildrenpodcast.com to leave us a voice message, or email us to stay connected and answer episode questions!

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32 MIN

OCT 1, 2024

Changing Hearts and Habits: Climate Action Education with Koen Timmers

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Season Three of We the Children! This season, we're meeting even more incredible change-makers—from scientists to young climate heroes—who will inspire us with their amazing stories and big ideas. Plus, Zach has an exciting surprise: a brand-new 'Climate Command Center,' a hub of imagination and adventure ready to whisk Zach and Clare around the world as they explore how we can all make a difference for our planet.

Our first guest of the season is making a global impact of his own. Koen Timmers is a Belgian environmentalist and educator who is raising the bar on climate education internationally. He’s the founder of the Kakuma Project, which has provided free, quality education to thousands of refugees since 2015, and the Climate Action Project, which has connected over 5 million students across 168 countries since 2017.

Koen is passionate about how technology and collaboration can enhance learning, and today, he shares why taking action is just as important as learning the facts. So buckle up! It’s time to join Zach in the Climate Command Center and blast off to Belgium to meet Koen Timmers.

Highlights:

Koen Timmers' journey to climate advocacy (03:54)
Climate Action Education: A New Approach (06:43)
Combining academics and action in climate education (11:45)
"Gamifying" education with technology (12:57)
Examples of students' climate action projects (15:49)
What does it mean to be a global citizen? (21:48)
Take action with Ridwell (25:47)

Links:

We the Children Educator's Toolkit

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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28 MIN

AUG 16, 2024

We the Children Season 3!

Join Zach as he embarks on an inspiring journey to uncover and share incredible stories of progress in the fight against climate change. This season, we explore the latest advancements in climate technology, the rise of public awareness and activism, the rapid growth of renewable energy, and powerful reforestation efforts. Get ready to be inspired by the voices leading the charge for a better future. New episodes of We the Children drop this September!

Connect with us!

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1 MIN

JUL 9, 2024

Exploring the Arctic (Part II): Climate Conversations on the High Seas

Summary

In part two of our special We the Children at Sea series, Zach continues his Arctic expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, this time focusing on conversations with three remarkable environmental experts. Join us as Alexandra Kristjansdottir, an environmental engineer with a rich global perspective, discusses her role in combating climate change through innovative engineering solutions. She shares personal observations of the alarming changes in the polar regions and emphasizes the need for viewing waste as a valuable resource. Jackie Weston, transitioning from human physiology to a dedicated naturalist, recounts her thrilling journey from guiding grizzly bear tours to studying polar bears in the Arctic. Her stories highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and her passion for educating others about wildlife and conservation. Kerstin Langenberger, a polar guide with deep environmental science expertise, shares observations on the rapid transformations in the Arctic. Her viral photo of a thin polar bear brings a stark visual to the discussion, underlining the urgency of addressing global warming.

Together, they explore the significant challenges and changes they've witnessed firsthand in the Arctic's fragile environments, providing a powerful testament to the global impacts of local environmental changes.

Highlights

Alexandra on environmental engineering and witnessing climate change (00:01:26)
Jackie's journey from physiology to polar naturalism (00:06:36)
Kerstin's on the visible effects of climate change in the Arctic (00:16:20)
Discussion on innovative recycling solutions in Iceland (00:03:07)
The role of sea ice in polar bear habitats (00:09:37)
Impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife and ecosystems (00:17:22)

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26 MIN

JUN 18, 2024

Exploring the Arctic (Part I): Conversations on Marine Science and Conservation

Summary

In this special bonus episode, join Zach on a journey to the Arctic with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, exploring Norway, Greenland, and Iceland. Aboard the National Geographic Resolution, Zach meets marine biologists Taylor Simpkins and Eva Prendergast to discuss their essential research on seaweed, ocean plastics, climate change, and marine mammal conservation.

Taylor and Eva are two National Geographic scientists working to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Arctic, and the role we all play in reducing the impact of plastic pollution and climate change in the region. While underscoring the importance of marine conservation and the critical role science communication plays in improving our stewardship of the natural world, Taylor and Eva also share innovative solutions and cutting edge technological advancements with Zach.

From the vital role kelp forests play in capturing carbon, to the effects of climate change on polar habitats, this episode underscores how one of the planet's most remote areas is experiencing changes that resonate much closer to home.

Enjoy, and join We the Children at sea next time for part two of this series.

Links:

Lindblad Expeditions

Taylor Simpkins

Eva Prendergast

Highlights:

All aboard the National Geographic Resolution (00:00)
The Plastic Nurdle Problem (03:48)
Importance of Kelp Forests in Carbon Sequestration (05:17)
Innovative Solutions: Bioplastics from Seaweed (07:46)
Impact of Climate Change on Polar Habitats (19:12)
How to Classify Whales (13:45)
The Unicorn of the Sea, Narwhals (18:18)
Role of Scientific Communication in Environmental Protection (24:03)

Connect with us!

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26 MIN