Parenting In a Climate Crisis – Book Talk w/ Author Bridget Shirvell

Join author Bridget Shirvell for a reading and discussion around her new book Parenting In a Climate Crisis: A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Even before kids are old enough to understand the dire state of climate change, they experience the effects first-hand – camp canceled because of smokey air, neighborhoods damaged by hurricanes, surprise flash floods on the way home from school. For many parents already anxious about the future of the planet, the feelings become even more alarming when we realize that it’s our kids who will be living in that future. 

Environmentalist and reporter Bridget Shirvell felt this all acutely after the birth of her child. She set out to build a framework to help her navigate her worries. The result is Parenting In A Climate Crisis: A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action. In this accessible guidebook, Shirvell explores the tough question of what does it mean to raise a family to behave ethically and responsibly in a time of climate grief? The answer is a thoughtful and practical book that offers actionable advice for the millions of parents who are worried – and furious—about the precarity of their children’s future.  Parents who want to make ecologically sound choices, who want to raise kids who are connected to the natural world and emboldened to protect it – and who are ultimately resilient enough to face the uncertain future. 

Weaving together expert advice from climate scientists, environmental activists, child psychologists, and parents across the country, Shirvell helps parents answer tough questions (how did we get here?) and raise kids who feel connected to and responsible for the natural world (it starts with nature walks and a family dog), feel motivated to make ecologically sound choices, and feel empowered to meet the challenges of the climate crisis (it starts with building resilience and problem-solving skills), and to ultimately fight for change.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Bridget Shirvell reports on the environment, food systems, and parenting. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, PBS NewsHour, Martha Stewart Living, Teen Vogue, PureWow, Edible Manhattan, Condé Nast Traveler, HuffPost, and Civil Eats, among others.