Elmo, the popular Sesame Street character, took centre stage at New York Climate Week as discussions turned to how extreme weather and the climate crisis are affecting children around the world.
At a “Big Storms, Big Feelings” event, Elmo recalled a storm that recently hit Sesame Street in a television episode, describing the fear he experienced and how residents helped one another after the storm. He also revealed that he had prepared a “go bag” for emergencies.
The appearance highlighted a growing concern that extreme heat, flooding and severe storms are disrupting children’s daily lives, including their ability to attend school, play outdoors and maintain normal routines.
Sesame Workshop said research into children’s experiences with extreme weather found that parents are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate-related events on young people. Experts at the event said children can understand climate issues and participate in practical responses, including activities such as planting trees.
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe said adults should reassure children that people care about the problem and that solutions exist.
The event underscored the growing effort to help younger generations understand climate risks while giving them constructive ways to respond.
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