NSF Project to Address Disproportionate Climate Change Impacts on Black & African American Children

NEW YORK - Oct. 31, 2023 - PRLog -- Knology, a social science research organization, has received a two-year, $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a new collaborative project that addresses the lack of representation and inclusion of Black voices and stories in climate science literature for children. A partnership between Knology, the Association of Children's Museums, the National Black Child Development Institute, and the Highlights Foundation, the project is called "Black Representation: Authoring STEM Stories for Climate Risk Preparedness (BlackRep4Kids)," and it builds on Knology's growing body of climate research—including the recently NSF awarded "Partnerships for Indigenous Climate Journalism."

"While discussions of climate science in children's literature have increased," notes Ed Greene, Knology Fellow and BlackRep4Kids' principal investigator (PI), "Black voices and stories are not as visible or sought after in these conversations, despite the fact that climate change is disproportionately impacting Black communities, children, and families."

To address this critical gap, BlackRep4Kids will spark conversation among Black researchers and other professionals working in climate science, developmental psychology, early childhood education, informal learning, and children's media. These conversations will lay the foundation for the production of a new generation of picture books, storybooks, and other forms of media that will help Black families and their children discuss, prepare for, and respond to a multitude of environmental threats.

"This project is grounded in hope and visions for action," says Greene. "It moves away from victimizing climate change stories that focus almost exclusively on Black pain and suffering and instead seeks to empower young minds by centering Black knowledge, Black solutions, Black belonging, and Black dreams."

The project's centerpiece is a national unconference event to be held at three different children's museums in Fall 2024. The unconference will lead to a comprehensive media makers' guide, which will equip authors, illustrators, publishers, and others with some of the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to improve Black representation in climate-related children's media.

"As a parent who watches lots of media with Black characters," said Tresha Gibbs, a child psychiatrist and a project advisor, "I am so excited for the future of this content, so that it helps kids prepare for their role in combating the threats of climate change."

For more, visit blackrep4kids.knology.org

About Knology
Knology (https://knology.org/) is a non-profit research organization dedicated to producing practical social science for a better world. Founded in 2012, our transdisciplinary team consists of over 20 social scientists, writers, and educators who draw on their varied areas of expertise to untangle complex social issues. Our research seeks to improve human relationships with the environment, help cultural institutions become agents of social change, and create more effective media. We study these topics by working collaboratively with organizations who seek to advance social good and immediately turn knowledge into action.