SUMMARY
Sophia Kianni was the youngest member of the United Nations’s first Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. In this On Our Minds podcast episode, Kianni talks with hosts Bree Campbell and James Kim about why she started an organization dedicated to translating climate information and resources and getting involved with Born This Way Foundation, which helps support youth mental health. On Our Minds is a podcast that focuses on mental health and is produced by Student Reporting Labs.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What did Sophia Kianni observe in Iran?
- Where were the temperatures rising more than twice the global average?
- Who is to blame for the climate crisis, according to Kianni?
- How can translating resources and data help activism around climate change?
- Why does Kianni say it's important to have translations of climate-related information?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
In the episode, Kianni draws connections between mental health and systemic exploitation and harm in our society. How do you think participating in activism and social movements can help improve our mental health?
Media literacy: How do you think Sophia Kianni's perspective differs from or resembles other news you've heard about climate change?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Research another youth-led climate activism organization (local or national), such as the Sunrise Movement or Climate Defiance. What does the organization do? What are their goals and recent actions? Why do you think students are participating in these organizations?
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