Beating the Heat in Early Childhood

If you live in many parts of the US, we don’t have to state the obvious: it’s hot. What may not be as obvious are the life-long effects of extreme heat on children’s learning and development. 

Recent research from IF partners puts the stakes of climate change for young children and their families in stark relief: Harvard Center on the Developing Child finds exposure to extreme heat leads to learning loss among young children, especially during the crucial early years of learning and development. RAPID Survey found that more than half of families with young children have experienced extreme weather, often with frustrating disruptions to care, learning, and work. As one parent shared, “It was so hot last summer with limited AC, that my child’s daycare closed for one day. They were not able to keep the classroom temp under 82°F with the window AC…I sent my own child to stay with family that had AC because we don’t have AC in our apartment.” 

So how can we beat the heat for our youngest learners? New research offers some ideas. The Early Years Climate Action Plan from Capita and The Aspen Institute’s This is Planet Ed outlines recommendations for anyone who wants to be part of the solution, from policymakers at each level of government to individual businesses and providers. 

But perhaps the most fundamental change we need is a shift in perspective about whose needs our climate change policies aim to address. “Placing young children at the core of how we adapt to climate change is more than a moral obligation. It can transform our communities for all,” writes Capita’s Climate Director Ankita Chachra. “Ensuring child-centered action on climate change will create cleaner air and water, more green space and shade, healthier buildings, communities better prepared for extreme weather events, and more.”

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