Herts mother urges to prioritise climate protection for the future of our children

It's as a report found 63% of parents concerned for the next generations

Parents For Future
Author: Zoe Head-ThomasPublished 15th Jan 2025

As the effects of climate change become increasingly prominent, a significant majority of parents in the UK are rethinking their priorities, placing the health of the environment above traditional measures of wealth.

According to a new report by Parents for Future, 81% of parents believe that leaving behind a healthy environment is more important than financial assets such as money or property.

The findings highlight a growing trend among families.

Raaeka Yassaie, from a Parents for the Future group based in Hertfordshire, said: "The climate crisis isn’t some distant threat—it’s here, and our kids are already feeling its impact. As parents, we have a responsibility to act now.

"Parents are uniquely positioned to lead the fight for climate justice. We’re not just advocating for policy changes; we’re advocating for our children’s future.

"Real change happens when communities come together. We’ve seen how powerful parents’ voices can be when we unite to demand action."

The report also shines a light on the climate concerns of children, particularly those aged 8–11.

Almost half (49%) are worried about extreme weather events, and other anxieties include food shortages (33%), poorer air quality (32%), rising sea levels (31%), and biodiversity loss (23%).

Charlotte Howell, Co-Director of Parents for Future, said: “Children are deeply aware of what’s happening. Many are asking their parents to do more, whether it’s cutting down on car journeys, reducing waste, or supporting policies that combat climate change.”

These calls for action are not going unnoticed.

Three in four parents have made lifestyle changes to reduce their environmental impact, including cutting travel emissions (51%), adopting more sustainable diets (47%), and divesting from fossil fuels (45%). However, nearly half (49%) say their children want them to go further.

The findings are part of a larger movement to address the climate crisis.

The Protect Our Kids’ Future campaign, launched by Parents for Future in collaboration with Mission 2025 and the Potential Energy Coalition, urges parents to advocate for clean energy solutions and a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.

Ms Yassaie said: "It’s heartbreaking to hear an eight-year-old ask if their home will be safe from floods in 10 years. Kids are looking to us for answers, and we owe them more than reassurances—we owe them action.

"Individual choices matter, but they’re not enough. We need governments and businesses to step up and commit to clean energy solutions now."

Regional activists from Parents for Future are amplifying this message across the UK, and argue that these community-based initiatives can inspire larger systemic changes.

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