Climate Change is Stealing Our Children's Joyful Childhoods

Growing up in the late ’80s and early ’90s, summer meant endless outdoor adventures for my siblings and me. As soon as school was out, we would rush outside—biking in the mornings, playing hide and seek in the afternoons, and catching fireflies at night. Our only worries were the occasional scraped knee or the sound of our mother reminding us to come in before dark. We didn’t concern ourselves with heat waves or air quality; as long as it wasn’t raining, outside was our playground.

Unfortunately, those carefree days are fading. Today, the simple act of sending kids outdoors is becoming increasingly complex due to climate change. Factors like wildfires, floods, extreme heat, hurricanes, and deteriorating air quality are confining children indoors and altering the essence of childhood.

Wildfires and Air Quality: A Barrier to Outdoor Play

Just recently, in mid-July, the skies in New York City turned an ominous red, prompting officials to issue an air quality alert. By afternoon, the air quality was “nine times above” the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization. At this level, children were advised to remain indoors, preventing them from enjoying the outdoor activities that many of us took for granted. The culprit? Wildfires raging thousands of miles away, worsened by climate change, which are occurring earlier and burning more land each year.

In many parts of the West, not only are children forced inside due to poor air quality, but recreational areas have been closed due to smoke and ash. Playgrounds are becoming too hot for children to use safely.

Heat Waves Are Changing the Game

While heat waves have always existed, they are now longer and more intense. According to the EPA, heat wave seasons are nearly two months longer than they were fifty years ago. This change means parents can no longer simply send their kids outside for a day of fun without worrying about the risks associated with extreme heat. Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, as they breathe faster and dehydrate more quickly than adults.

In the past, families could escape the heat by visiting pools, but that option is increasingly limited. In Portland, for instance, pools were forced to close when temperatures soared above 110 degrees, citing safety concerns for staff and guests. Similarly, pools in Florida had to shut down due to the impacts of Hurricane Elsa—the earliest “E” storm recorded.

And if you think the beach is a reliable escape, think again. Rising sea levels are threatening many beaches, making them inaccessible or even disappearing altogether. Without pools or beaches, kids are often left with no choice but to stay indoors.

The Impact on Summer Camps

The effects of climate change extend to summer camps as well. In Washington, a camp delayed its start due to a severe heat dome, while another in Colorado had to evacuate twice in five years due to wildfires. Camps are increasingly forced to adapt to more heat waves, leading to a greater emphasis on indoor activities.

Donald J. Wuebbles, a professor in Atmospheric Sciences, remarked on the increased frequency of high-temperature days and the erratic nature of rainfall and drought conditions, making traditional summer camp experiences less viable.

A Diminishing Childhood Experience

Even nighttime activities are changing. Many of us fondly remember catching fireflies during warm summer evenings. Sadly, fireflies are now facing extinction, primarily due to urbanization and light pollution—factors that will further alter the childhood experiences of future generations.

The reality is sobering: climate change is likely to worsen these conditions. A 2019 report indicated that by mid-century, the U.S. could see twice as many days with a heat index exceeding 100°F. Time spent outdoors is crucial for children’s physical and emotional well-being, especially after the confinement of the COVID pandemic. Yet climate change is making it increasingly difficult for kids to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.

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In summary, climate change is increasingly encroaching on the joy of childhood, forcing children indoors and redefining their experiences in ways that many of us might find heartbreaking.