"When sea levels rise, important facilities like airports, ports, and industrial complexes will be the first to be submerged." Explaining the climate crisis to children can shift dramatically when you say, "Incheon Airport may not be safe either," instead of discussing polar bears or distant island nations. The new book, 'Absolutely Protect, Disappearing Islands!', is an environmental education resource that brings the climate crisis closer to children's everyday lives.
The book begins with the statement, "Islands are silently disappearing!" After outlining the Earth's 4.6 billion-year history, it explores island nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati, which are losing their homes due to rising sea levels. It unpacks why glaciers are melting, why oceans are rising, and who is responsible for these changes. The narrative then shifts to urban areas, illustrating that rising sea levels threaten not only islands but also major cities and cultural heritage worldwide.
One of the most relatable sections for children is Chapter 3, titled 'Is Our Country Not Safe?' It starts with low-lying areas like Yeongjong Island and Gimhae Airport, discussing intensifying typhoons, unusual weather in local neighborhoods, and changes in marine ecosystems. This part helps bridge the gap between the perception that the climate crisis is a distant future issue and the reality that it is happening now. The book also explains how the future could differ if we actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to continuing on the current high-carbon path.
The final chapter expands to animals and ecosystems, examining changes in coral, sea turtles, dugongs, penguins, and more across Asia, Europe, Oceania, Africa, the Americas, and the polar regions. It explains how carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, causing acidification and affecting corals and shellfish, using language accessible to children. The principles of glaciers, ocean currents, climate zones, and typhoons, typically taught separately in science classes, are woven together into a cohesive narrative about the climate crisis.
Importantly, the book does not stop at asking children, 'Isn't that scary?' Each chapter includes a section titled 'Let's Think Together Today!' that suggests actionable items like reducing plastic use and researching endangered species. This encourages discussions between parents and children about what changes they can make together.
Dr. Lee Jae-hyung, known as 'Climate Uncle,' is an expert in climate and ESG, holding a master's degree in climate change science and a Ph.D. in resource economics. A father of two, he has worked to translate complex terminology into language that children can understand, following his previous book, 'Absolutely Protect, 1.5 Degrees!'
The appendix is also useful for parents, featuring a 'Curriculum Connection Chart' that links the book's content to elementary and middle school science and social studies curricula. It summarizes the IUCN conservation status of the species mentioned, providing a resource for further discussion and family conversations beyond just reading.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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