KIDSONCLIMATE is a project that investigates how young teenagers’ awareness of the climate crisis, and the emotions it generates, might impact their (dis)engagement with politics at different levels
Meet Katharine Throssell: Leading the Way in New Perspectives on Childhood and Politics
Most people see politics as something for adults, but Katharine Throssell knows that our journey as citizens begins much earlier—often right in the living room. As a researcher and a mother, Katharine has spent over a decade exploring how children make sense of the world around them. Forget dry statistics and dusty library shelves; her work is all about real life. She listens to how kids talk about their identity, their country, and the stories they see in their favorite books and cartoons. Her mission? To show that children aren’t just « future » citizens—they have powerful voices and unique perspectives right now.
The « Kids on Climate » Project
Today, Katharine is leading an exciting new international study funded by the prestigious Marie Curie fellowship: Kids on Climate. We all know that the environment is one of the biggest challenges of our time, but how do our children feel about it? Through this project, Katharine is inviting families to join a global conversation. By looking at how kids in different countries understand climate change, she aims to help parents and educators support the next generation without overwhelming them.
Our Methodology: Combining Data with Real-Life Experience
To capture the full complexity of this issue, the project employs a dual approach. Katharine first analyzes large-scale international datasets (from the IEA’s Civic and Citizenship Education Study) to identify broader sociological patterns. However, because data alone cannot capture human feeling, she complements this with innovative qualitative interviews. These in-depth dialogues with young people (ages 10-17) in Belgium and France allow for a deeper understanding of the emotions and motivations that statistics often miss.
A distinctive feature of KIDSONCLIMATE is its collaborative nature. The research is conducted in partnership with a dedicated group of Youth Advisors. These young consultants play a vital role in the scientific process, providing critical feedback on the methodology and ensuring that the analysis remains grounded in the actual lived experiences of today’s teenagers.
Join the Adventure: Your Voice Matters!
Are you a parent of a teenager, or a young person between 10 and 17? We want to hear from you!
The KIDSONCLIMATE project is currently looking for participants in Belgium and France to share their thoughts on the climate crisis and how it shapes their view of the world. No « right » or « wrong » answers—just honest conversations about your feelings, your hopes, and your place in society.
- Who? Young people aged 10-17.
- Where? In Belgium and France.
- Why? To help us understand how the climate crisis is changing the way we think about politics and our future.
Ready to take part or want to learn more? > katharine.throssel@uclouvain.be