Girls are more concerned about climate change than boys

Girls are more concerned about climate change than boys

Climate change is an issue that goes beyond environmental problems to turn into a humanitarian crisis that threatens the future of humanity, especially the most vulnerable groups. The floods we are witnessing that engulf cities, fires devour forests, and record heat waves have become a daily reality experienced by millions, especially children.

Amid this anxious reality, striking features have begun to form in the way young people are dealing with the crisis. Recent studies have revealed a clear difference between boys and girls in their psychological and cognitive response to climate change, with girls showing higher levels of anxiety, interaction, and empathy with these issues. It appears that this gap is not only due to psychological differences, but rather is related to the style of upbringing, attention to detail, and contemplation of phenomena from deeper social and personal angles.

This increased interaction among girls with climate issues does not stop at the level of feeling, but rather often translates into more active initiatives and participation in environmental activities and awareness programs. Hence, an important question arises: Is this increased interaction reflected in the level of environmental awareness and concern among girls compared to boys?

A recent study conducted byUniversity College London (UCL) showed that 44% of girls participating in this study expressed concern about the future of the world as a result of climate change, compared to only 27% of boys. This gap represents a global trend; Opinion polls in some countries reveal that women - and girls in particular - are more involved in environmental issues than their male counterparts.

The study included 2,429 male and female students between the ages of 11 and 14 years, and showed that more than half of the children feel anxious; Because adults are not making enough effort to confront the crisis. What is striking is that girls’ anxiety does not stop at feelings, but rather extends to their interest in solutions and their desire to participate in environmental activities. Analysis of reactions showed that girls are more likely to engage in environmental discussions, are more engaged with lessons on climate, and are more sensitive to the health and social dimensions of the crisis.

The relationship between climate change and children’s rights

In this context, the human dimensions of climate change cannot be ignored; It is a real human rights crisis that greatly affects children who are paying the price of the crisis even though they were not part of its creation. According to reports by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), about one billion children live in countries considered to be most affected by climate change, and they face serious threats to their health, education and living conditions.

The numbers indicate that at least 43 million children were forced to be displaced during the past six years due to floods, droughts and fires, that is, an average of 20 thousand children every day who lose their homes or schools. Such disasters exacerbate the phenomenon of dropping out of education, and this threatens the achievement of Goal (4) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “Quality Education”.

The impact is not limited to education only; In the absence of effective environmental policies, children suffer from serious health consequences, as air pollution leads to increased rates of respiratory diseases, while the lack of clean water poses a threat to the health of millions of children in developing countries, hindering progress towards achieving Goal (3) related to good health and well-being.

What is the role of schools?

Perhaps the most dangerous thing about the climate crisis is that it not only casts a shadow over the present, but also instills in the hearts of children a permanent feeling of insecurity and uncertainty about the future. While climate disasters have direct impacts on health, education, and living conditions, growing anxiety among young people is one of the invisible symptoms of this crisis. A recent study conducted by University College London showed that more than half of the participating children feel anxious. Because adults are not doing enough to confront the crisis.

However, this anxiety should not be viewed only as a psychological burden, but rather - if directed correctly - it can be transformed into early awareness and motivation for learning and participation, as 75% of children expressed their desire to learn more about climate change within their school curricula, while emphasizing the importance of practical activities such as trips and environmental initiatives.

However, the challenge lies in the fact that many educational curricula are still insufficient in this field. Which leaves children facing anxiety without real tools to understand or contribute to the solution. This is why experts recommend the need to integrate environmental education more deeply into all academic subjects, to ensure the building of a conscious generation capable of change.

How do girls contribute to confronting climate change?

While schools demonstrate their vital role in reducing students’ anxiety about climate change and promoting environmental awareness, another aspect worth considering is the ability of girls to transform this anxiety into a force for change. In the midst of the fears and uncertainties that dominate the atmosphere of the future, girls appear clearly prepared to participate effectively in confronting the climate crisis. The strength of this transformation lies in the girls’ deep sensitivity to environmental issues, as the feeling of anxiety turns into an incentive to express opinions and search for innovative solutions.

This transformation is not only an investment in young energies, but also constitutes a direct contribution to achieving Goal (5) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely “gender equality”, which is an essential step for building a just and sustainable society. From this standpoint,Earth Guards emphasizes that empowering girls in climate action goes beyond the educational aspect to become a strategic force that enhances balance and brings about real change in society.