PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Hurricane Helene is the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. since Katrina in 2005. The death toll has surpassed 200 and the worst affected areas are not even near the ocean. It’s expected to take years for towns like Asheville, North Carolina to rebuild. Communities have been ripped apart, hundreds of homes destroyed, and lives shattered. For those of us who were not in Helene’s path, it’s a wake-up call. As the climate continues to warm and alter weather patterns, it’s important that we all prepare for the potential and protect ourselves and our children.
Forecasters say Hurricane Helene dumped 40-trillion gallons of rain throughout the southeast. Coastal resilience specialist Pam Rubinoff at the University of Rhode Island says climate change will impact us all, no matter where we live.
“If the earth is warming at unprecedented rates. What happens with that is that we have more moisture in the air, and when you have more moisture in the air, that’s going to come out as rainfall,” she explained.
These storms not only leave buildings destroyed, but they can also create food insecurity, water insecurity, and can create feelings of insecurity in your children.
A recent study of 10,000 kids found that 84% were worried about climate change. Almost half said it made them feel sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty.
“I think that what’s most important is for the parents to really discuss these kinds of risks with their children,” Rubinoff said.
Climate anxiety can impact a child’s schoolwork, friendships, eating habits and sleep. To help, parents should actively listen to their children’s concerns, validate their fears, and encourage bravery. Create a family emergency plan together that makes them feel safe and empowered. And teach your children that climate action, not fear, can change the future.
“Start to take action so that those kids are really part of the whole process,” Rubinoff said.
A recent study in the Lancet found 83% of kids think adults have failed to take care of the planet. That’s why it’s important for parents to model resilience. You can share your concerns with your children but don’t fixate on worrying about it. Instead work on ways to help your neighbors and your community prepare for the future.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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Sources:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00278-3/fulltext
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