YA Outside the Lines

Posted by PJ Sharon April 30, 2021

In keeping with this month’s theme of “random recommendations”, I thought I would extend my “Every Day is Earth Day” campaign and share a few ideas for the eco-minded. Together, we can make a difference in the global fight against climate change.

“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Max Lucado

Here are just a few of my recommendations...

1) 1) If you love David Attenborough’s work, this incredible documentary won’t disappoint! Unfortunately, it’s currently only available on Apple+, but even the trailer is worth a watch. The description for The Year Earth Changed reads: “this timely documentary special takes a look at nature’s extraordinary response to a year of global lockdown. This love letter to planet Earth will take you from hearing birdsong in deserted cities for the first time in decades, to witnessing whales communicating in ways never before seen. Find out how changes in human behavior—reducing cruise ship traffic, closing beaches a few days a year, identifying more harmonious ways for humans and wildlife to co-exist—can have a profound impact on nature and give us hope for the future.”

View the trailer here.

2 2) Dr. Katherine Hayhoe is a world-renowned climate scientist. Her common-sense approach to communicating with people about climate change issues is simple, insightful, and inspiring. She uses our shared experiences of how climate change affects us locally to find common ground with others on what shouldn’t be a controversial topic, but is in today’s polarized world. She is wonderful to listen to in any of her YouTube videos, TED talks, and interviews, but this five-minute introduction gives you an idea of who she is, why she does what she does, and why we all need to respond to her powerful call to action. See her interview here.

3) 3) If you are struggling, as I am, with anxiety over the current climate crisis, and feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, check out this extremely helpful NPR podcast and browse this helpful and empowering list of resources for “existing—and resisting—in the face of impending climate disruption”. I highly recommend this list for parents trying to help their children navigate the worries around a changing climate.

Visit the website here.

4) 4) And for my data-minded, extra geeky science friends who want just the facts (and are brave enough to handle them), there is always NASA’s Global Climate Change website, Vital Signs of the Planet. You’ll find out how scientists are using the International Space Station to study Earth’s climate, an educational website for kids, incredible images of our changing planet, and even Climate Mobile Apps to help you make a difference in your daily life. There is also a Climate Resource Center that hosts an extensive collection of global warming resources for media, educators, weather casters and public speakers.

5) 5) For our teen readers, here’s a list of the Top 10Climate Change books recommended by Teen Vogue. Pick one and dig in!

There are so many more environmental organizations and plenty of worthy eco-centric causes to support, but since most of us do better with small, measurable, and achievable goals, it’s best to start with our own carbon footprint and the dozens of small changes we can make to reduce, reuse, recycle, and minimize our personal impact on the planet.

Like eating the elephant (which of course, we would never do!), we must meet the challenge with a one-bite-at-a-time philosophy.