The Kids Aren't Alright: Climate Education in a Trauma-Laden World

Nearly every student today is coming into informal education programs with some form of trauma. This is especially true as we examine the long-lasting impacts of climate change, the pandemic, and identity-based prejudice on children. In response, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has undertaken a transformative journey in its education programs. This paper explores our evolving approaches, centered in trauma-informed education, maker-centered agency, and equity-based practices. We outline some of our trauma-informed practices, including hiring a full-time school counselor and integrating wellness practices into programming. We share our journey to maker-centered education, with the goal of building agency and resilience in students as they tackle environmental challenges. We describe steps we've taken toward equity-based practices, such as revamping our hiring practices and building culturally relevant pedagogies. Reflecting on this journey, we emphasize the ongoing nature of this work and invite collaborators to envision and co-create a more just and sustainable future.