46: How to Understand Climate Change (and Talk About It With Your Kids) with Brittany Jefferson

We spend a lot of time talking about climate change — but not nearly enough time understanding it.Most of us were never really taught how to understand it, especially in a way that connects it to history, systems, power, and the everyday decisions we’re making.This week, I’m joined by Brittany Jefferson, an educator and founder of EJ EDU, to talk about climate literacy — what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we think about everything from education to environmental justice.We talk about why climate can’t just live in science class, what’s missing from how it’s typically taught, and how understanding the bigger picture can change the way we approach sustainability.We also bring this into everyday life — from raising kids and navigating climate anxiety to having conversations at home and taking local climate action.TakeawaysWhat climate literacy actually means Why social studies, history, and systems thinking are essential to understanding climate changeEnvironmental justice and who is most affected by the systems we live inThe role of education as a climate solutionHow kids are already engaging with climate — from curiosity to overwhelmWays to approach climate conversations at home in age-appropriate, grounded waysNavigating the tension between individual action and systemic changeOne Small ShiftDownload the Climate Venn Diagram. It’s a simple but powerful way to figure out where your skills, your interests, and the needs of the world overlap — and where you can focus your time and energy.Connect with BrittanyInstagramPatreonTeachers Pay TeachersResourcesAll We Can Save – Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (book)What If We Get It Right? – Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (book)How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change - Harriet Shugarman (book)Earth Matters (educational game)Related EpisodesEp. 5: How to Navigate Climate Emotions with Jen KnochEp. 7: Rethinking Zero Waste with April DickinsonEp. 42: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? The Climate Venn Diagram Can HelpSupport the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.