Guest Host: Anthony Frasier; Guest: Dr. Ed Greene (Knology)

In this episode, guest host and project advisor Anthony Frasier talks with project PI Dr. Ed Greene about some of the key building blocks for creating stories that improve the representation of Black voices in children’s climate media. Synthesizing common themes and key takeaways from previous episodes, this podcast showcases what we’ve learned so far about the kinds of storytelling techniques that can support effective Black representation.

During this episode, Dr. Greene also mentions several resources that can be leveraged in support of creating child-centered climate change solutions:

• Outdoor Afro – An organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature, and that reconnects Black people to our lands, water, and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation.
• The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice – An organization dedicated to improving the lives of community members of all ages who are harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change, through research and policy studies, community and student engagement to impact policy change, and health and safety training for environmental careers.
• Beyond Petrochemicals – A campaign that seeks to halt the rapid expansion of petrochemical and plastic pollution in the United States (particularly in Louisiana, Texas, and the Ohio River Valley), and that works to establish stricter rules for existing plants to safeguard the health of American communities.
• The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice – An organization that works to address long-standing issues of systemic inequality and structural racism that cause disproportionate pain, suffering ,and death in Black and other people of color communities.
• Zero Hour – A youth-led movement that centers the voices of diverse youth in conversations about climate and environmental justice, and that creates entry points for young activists and organizers looking to take concrete actions around climate change.

In this episode, host and project PI Ed Greene talks with project advisor Anthony Frasier about the role podcasts and other audio-based content can play in improving Black representation in children’s media. Their discussion also touches on ways that audio-centered storyworlds can improve children’s STEM knowledge, boost their mental and emotional wellbeing, and ignite a desire to protect the planet.

During this episode, Anthony also mentions several resources that can be leveraged in support of creating child-centered climate change solutions:

• This is Planet Ed – An Aspen Institute initiative that seeks to mobilize collaborative action across a number of systems (including early childhood, children’s media, K-12 education, and higher education) to engage, prepare, and empower young people to succeed in a changing climate. Among other resources, This is Planet Ed (along with The Nature Conservancy) has created an “Essential Climate Principles” document to encourage the development of innovative climate media for children.
• Common Sense Media - An organization whose efforts to identify high-quality media content for children includes a list of “Movies that Teach Kids about Climate Change.”
• ABF Creative – Anthony’s audio production company, whose multicultural, family-centered podcasts feature vibrant storytelling situated at the intersection of cultural depth and emotional resonance.
• Nickelodeon – A children’s media production company whose research offers insights into the kinds of character types (for example, “guides” and “mirrors”) that can stimulate youth interest and engagement around climate change.

In this episode, host and project PI Ed Greene and project team leader Arthur Affleck III, M.Ed., JD., talk about ways the children’s museum sector is helping youth all across the country learn about and respond to various climate-related harms.

In this episode, Arthur highlights several museum exhibits and programs that are equipping children with ideas, information, and resources for protecting their natural environments and healing the planet. Some of these include:

• Race to Zero Waste – An exhibit at the Discovery Cube (in Los Angeles, CA) that takes a gamified approach to teaching children about the importance of recycling and waste management.
• Climate Action Heroes – A program at the National Children’s Museum (in Washington, D.C.) that teaches youth eco-friendly practices through monthly missions that help them build their climate superpowers.
• Caretakers of Wonder - Led by Madison Children’s Museum, Caretakers of Wonder is a network of cultural organizations working on climate change issues, impacts, and adaptations facing museums and the young children we serve.
• Wild Weather – An immersive exhibit (hosted by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis) that simulated hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and other extreme weather events while teaching children about ways to mitigate the effects of severe weather impacts.
• South Florida & Me – A gallery (featured at the Miami Children’s Museum) that teaches children about the Everglades and its role in sustaining various ecosystems in the South Florida region.
• Hub for Resilience Education - In partnership with The Community Foundation of Broward, the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, FL is addressessing environmental issues relevant to the community and developing solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change by championing engagement, education and action for environmental sustainability and resilience in Broward.