Our approach is designed to help students, educators, and parents understand and engage with the science of climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of how we can work together for a resilient and just world. Through education and awareness, we aim to inspire action and unite communities to build a brighter future for our planet.

We are using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Literacy framework (2024) to guide our content. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing climate change and is built around the following key principles:

1. How We Know
   Climate literacy starts with understanding both the scientific process and the Earth’s systems. We help learners see how climate scientists collect data, use models, and make predictions—while also exploring fundamental processes like the carbon cycle, the atmosphere and how these systems shape our planet. By examining evidence such as weather patterns and long-term climate data, we empower students to understand not just what we know about the climate but how we know it.

2. Climate Change
   We help learners distinguish the signal from the noise in climate science—understanding what climate change is, how it differs from weather, and the key role human activities play in driving it. Students will develop the skills to differentiate natural variability from long-term climate trends, empowering them to recognize the clear, measurable impacts of climate change.

3. Causes
   We explore the factors behind rising global temperatures, from greenhouse gases and fossil fuels to land-use changes like deforestation and urban development. By connecting the dots, we empower kids to see the bigger picture and how communities can take action.

4. Impacts
   Climate change has far-reaching consequences. Our lessons cover the global impacts of climate change on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. 

5. Equity
   A key component of our climate literacy strategy is ensuring that students understand the connections between climate change and social equity. We explore how climate impacts are often more severe for marginalized groups, emphasizing the importance of climate justice in mitigating and adapting to these challenges.

6. Adaptation
   Learning to adapt to a changing climate is crucial. We highlight real-world examples of communities, ecosystems, and governments that are implementing strategies to cope with climate impacts, such as building resilient infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and preparing for extreme weather events.

7. Mitigation
   Mitigating climate change involves reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere. We cover various mitigation strategies, such as renewable energy, and incorporate collective eco-challenges, emphasizing solutions that can and should be implemented.

8. Hope and Urgency
   While the climate crisis requires urgent action, there is hope. Our strategy includes empowering students with stories of innovation, leadership, and resilience, showing how communities around the world are rising to the challenge and making progress toward a sustainable future.

Teaching climate literacy to children is not just important—it's vital. The world they will inherit is shaped by the decisions we make today. By educating young minds about climate change, we are equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and critical thinking skills they need to navigate and address the complex environmental challenges ahead.

What Does It Mean to Be Climate Literate?

Being climate literate means more than just understanding the science behind climate change. It means having the tools to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute to solutions. A climate-literate individual:

• Understands the essential principles of Earth’s climate system and the available options to address human-caused climate change.

• Recognizes credible information about climate change and knows where to find it, distinguishing between reliable sources and misinformation.

• Communicates about climate change in accurate and effective ways, sharing knowledge in ways that inspire action and foster understanding.

• Makes informed decisions related to climate change, using knowledge to make personal, community, and policy decisions that help build a sustainable future.

Bringing Climate Literacy to Life with Suzie and Sprout

Our strategy is not just about knowledge—it’s about action and making learning fun. By weaving climate literacy into everyday learning, we empower students to be informed, motivated, and proactive participants in the fight against climate change. 

Here’s how we bring this strategy to life:

1. Episodes & Chapters

   Our main episodes explore climate issues in depth, breaking down BIG ideas into digestible, bite-sized pieces. We reflect on the emotions that come with this knowledge, meet real-life climate champions who are spearheading change, and, throughout it all, use memorable original music to unite our community and reinforce climate knowledge and community action.

2. "Did You Know?"
   These short, engaging facts provide quick bursts of knowledge that spark curiosity and make learning about climate fun. Additionally, we’re also developing short-form content to further explain each climate concept in a fun and humorous style, making learning engaging, entertaining, and impactful.

3. Climate Buddy Club
   Climate change and environmental issues can be overwhelming, but the Climate Buddy Club breaks down these complicated topics in ways that kids can easily understand. Whether it’s exploring the importance of biodiversity or understanding the carbon cycle, these segments present complex concepts in a digestible format, empowering children to grasp and discuss crucial issues.

4. Climate Word of the Week
   Expanding vocabulary is key to climate literacy. Our Climate Word of the Week highlights important terms related to climate change, from "climate" to "mitigation." These words are explained in simple, accessible language, helping kids build a foundation for understanding the science behind climate change and the language of environmental activism.

5. Climate Bedtime Stories
   At the heart of our approach is hope. Our Climate Bedtime Stories focus on inspiring individuals, communities, and organizations who are making a positive impact on the environment. These stories showcase heroes who are taking action on issues like deforestation, watershed policy, renewable energy, climate justice, and BIG events in climate history, encouraging kids to feel empowered to make their own change.

6. Climate Action of the Week
   It’s not just about learning—it’s about getting involved. The Climate Action of the Week highlights community-driven ways for kids and families to make a difference together. From visiting your local library to explore climate resources to supporting neighborhood composting efforts or learning emergency preparedness, this segment connects kids to real-world solutions.

7. Suzie’s Climate Q&A

   Suzie’s Climate Q&A answers the big (and small) questions kids have about the environment and climate change. 

These interactive elements bring climate literacy to life by making the topic more engaging, relatable, and actionable for kids. We invite educators and parents to explore our comprehensive resources, lesson plans, and interactive content that align with this framework. Together, we can equip future generations with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing world.