The Climate Chick and Sprout: Inspiring Youth on Environmental Issues
In an innovative approach to climate education for children, Suzie Hicks, affectionately known as The Climate Chick, has launched a new YouTube series alongside her co-host Sprout, a cheerful green puppet. This series is designed to engage children aged 4 to 8 in discussions around climate change, presenting complex topics in a relatable and entertaining manner.
An Engaging Start
The series opens with Sprout introducing himself as a sunflower who is “just too little to bloom yet,” setting a playful tone that appeals to young minds. Together, Hicks and Sprout aim to explain the science behind human-caused climate change, why it matters, and actionable steps that can be taken to combat it.
A Mission Rooted in Hope
“The reason that I talk to young kids is, what a glorious opportunity to build a better future,” Hicks shared. She oscillates between concern for the planet and the hopeful belief that a better world is achievable, and she encourages a shift towards optimism and action for change.
Background and Inspiration
Suzie Hicks’ passion for environmental stewardship began in childhood, where she engaged in activities like composting and recycling batteries with her father. With a degree in theater and film, she cites Bill Nye the Science Guy as a significant influence, noting, “He’s a huge role model of mine. He made me love science as a kid, and I’m hopeful that I can help kids love climate science and love the earth.”
After a defining internship at an aquarium in 2017, Hicks discovered her knack for communicating science through engaging performances. This experience solidified her desire to educate others about climate change and led to her pursuit of a master’s degree in climate science. By 2023, she started developing her YouTube series, eager to combine her interests in entertainment and environmental education.
Addressing a Critical Gap
The creation of Hicks’ series comes at a time when there is a significant demand for climate-related content for children. Recent studies from the Aspen Institute reveal a concerning gap between public interest and available media. While nearly 70% of parents believe that children’s media should offer climate education, less than 2% of episodes in a cohort of children’s educational shows included such content.
Laura Schifter, a senior fellow at the Aspen Institute, remarked, “Right now there’s not a lot of coverage of climate change in kids media,” underscoring the necessity for more resources that empower children to understand and act on these crucial issues.
Challenges Along the Path
Despite gaining recognition, including spots on notable climate leader lists, Hicks faces challenges as she navigates the funding for her show through crowd-sourcing efforts. She reflects on the contrasting lifestyles between herself and her peers, saying, “All of my friends have like normal nine to fives. And they have healthcare. And like they make money. And I’m out here like playing with puppets, talking about the Earth.” Nevertheless, she remains committed to forging her unique path in climate education for children.
Conclusion
Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick and Sprout represent a thoughtful initiative to make climate science accessible and enjoyable for young audiences. As children engage with these important topics in fun and innovative ways, they may become the environmentally-conscious leaders of tomorrow.
For more information on Hicks’ series and to watch the episodes, visit her YouTube channel.
