The Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group recently conducted a study among 423 students aged 10 to 15 in Delhi-NCR from different socio-economic backgrounds to find that 89% of correspondents are concerned about the climate crisis.
The study highlighted a significant gap in climate education and resources, disproportionately affecting children from underprivileged households. 87% of schoolchildren said they recognised the term “climate change”. But serious disparities remain.
97% of middle- and high-income students called for stronger climate action. But 26% of lo-income children said they had never encountered the term, compared to just 2% from relatively rich backgrounds in Delhi-NCR, India.
Students stress impact of climate change on mental health
Schoolchildren from underprivileged backgrounds usually rely on NGOs for climate education. But for their high-income peers, the source of information is more than one, including but not limited to schools, social media and family members.
The report also stressed that digital divide is a significant barrier to understanding and addressing climate change. It also shed light on the impact of climate change on mental health. Many students reported increased anxiety.
The Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group underscored the need to ensure that all children, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds, recognise the term ‘climate change’ and contribute to combating the crisis raging in different countries across the globe.
