The Carbon Almanac
Climate Education for Kids Who Want to Take Action with Generation Carbon.
Generation Carbon is a global climate education initiative for kids, created as a companion to The Carbon Almanac. As the Podcast Network Lead, I developed and co-hosted Generation Carbon: A Kids’ Guide to Climate—alongside my then-second-grader daughter—collaborating with a team of producers, writers, and voice actors from around the world. This project was designed to make climate science accessible, engaging, and empowering. Giving kids the knowledge and confidence to take action while showcasing the power of collaborative, global storytelling.
Roles
Podcast Network Lead, Showrunner, Host, Contributor
Tools
Adobe Creative Suite, Notion, Discourse, Podcasting Production Tools (Riverside, Captivate, Audition, Audacity)
Methods
Leadership in Collaborative Teams, Storytelling for Engagement, Creative Direction & Showrunning, Podcasting, Educational Storytelling
Timeline
Two Years
CHALLENGE
How can we inspire kids to feel empowered to take action on climate change and turn complex science into engaging, age-appropriate conversations that spark real-world impact?
Most climate education for kids focuses on problems rather than agency, leaving them feeling overwhelmed rather than empowered.
Studies show that when children are given the tools to understand an issue and a clear way to take action, they become some of the most effective advocates for change. By educating adults, influencing family behaviors, and shaping community action.
The challenge for us, was to create a climate education platform that didn’t just inform but inspired, equipping kids with the knowledge and confidence to make a real difference.
In our exploration, we found that kids were full of curiosity about climate and the world around them—they had real questions, wanted answers, and were eager to be involved.
The Solution: Generation Carbon
The Generation Carbon podcast was designed as a two-way conversation, engaging kids directly in the storytelling process. Young listeners submitted climate questions, sparked discussions, and shared their own scientific findings. We brought in experts to provide answers, featured “Story Reporters on the Climate Case” from classrooms around the world, and made kids active participants in climate education.
By making complex climate science accessible, interactive, and engaging, Generation Carbon equipped kids with the knowledge and confidence to spark conversations and inspire action in their homes, schools, and communities.
My Role: Podcast Network Lead and Showrunner of Generation Carbon
As Podcast Network Lead and Showrunner for Generation Carbon, the planet—and the grownups!—need your help. I developed, produced, and co-hosted the podcast alongside my third-grade daughter, collaborating with writers, producers, voice actors, and scientists from around the world. I led the creative direction, development, and production workflow, ensuring the podcast was both engaging and scientifically accurate.
Kids played an active role, submitting questions, sharing their own findings, and acting as “Story Reporters on the Climate Case.” By creating a space where young listeners could participate and learn directly from experts, Generation Carbon became a collaborative, interactive climate education resource.
Creating an Engaging Resource for Parents and Educators
Generation Carbon was built on three key pillars:
Educational Empowerment – Giving kids a space to explore their curiosity about climate change and get scientifically accurate, age-appropriate answers.
Global Collaboration – Bringing together an international team of contributors to enrich the podcast with diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas.
Youth Engagement – Actively involving kids as participants, inviting them to submit their own climate questions, share findings, and hear their voices featured in episodes.
Over the course of 10 episodes spanning 2022 and 2023, we created a dynamic and engaging way for kids aged 6-10 to explore climate change, ask real questions, and hear from experts—all in a way that felt fun, accessible, and empowering.
Making Climate Science Engaging for Kids
Translating complex climate concepts for young listeners was no small feat. We leaned into storytelling—using animals, plants, and relatable characters—to break down big ideas in a way that was both fun and educational. Every episode was designed to not only inform but inspire kids to take action and see themselves as part of the climate solution.
The podcast drove increased awareness and demand for its companion book, Generation Carbon: It’s Time to Start. Every sale directly supported getting more copies into school libraries, ensuring that young learners had access to engaging climate education materials.
Leading a Global Team of Contributors
With a team spread across multiple time zones and backgrounds, keeping things organized and on track required strong leadership, clear communication, and flexible project management. Using tools like Discourse and Riverside.fm, I facilitated collaboration between contributors from:
- Canada
- USA
- Nigeria
- France
- England
- Wales
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- India
This international approach enriched the podcast with a broad range of voices, making Generation Carbon a truly global learning experience.
Generation Carbon: A Global Climate Education Initiative for Kids
Inspired by the power of children’s education, a group of Carbon Almanac contributors—including myself—set out to create an engaging, accessible way for kids to learn about climate change. The result was Generation Carbon: It’s time to start: A Carbon Almanac For Kids, a companion book that makes complex climate concepts easy to understand and engaging for young readers.
Too often, climate education for kids focuses on problems without offering a sense of agency. Generation Carbon was built on the belief that climate change is a challenge—but like many challenges humanity has faced before, it can be solved through knowledge, creativity, and action. Instead of leaving kids feeling overwhelmed, this project gives them the tools, confidence, and platform to become climate educators equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to teach adults about real solutions.
As Generation Carbon grew from a book into a full-scale educational initiative, we set out to offer free resources for kids, families, and educators worldwide:
- The book is available for purchase on Amazon but is also offered as a free download in 24 languages, including a dyslexia-friendly version to ensure accessibility for all learners.
- Our kid contributors helped create a free audiobook and a companion podcast, extending the learning experience beyond the page.
- A “read-along” edition on YouTube was developed to help early readers follow along as they listen.
- We built a kids’ website filled with downloadable extras, including Action Cards, changemaker certificates, interactive activities, and a printable board game—all designed to make climate learning fun and engaging.
Under the leadership of Barbara Orsi, the project has expanded into a nonprofit in Italy—Associazione Generation Carbon—where educators are integrating Generation Carbon into school curriculums. The program has received official patronage from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).
What started as a grassroots project within The Carbon Almanac has become a global movement, giving kids, educators, and families the tools they need to take real action on climate change.
Leading the Carbon Almanac Podcast Network (with Pods for Grownups too)
Outside of Generation Carbon, I also led The Carbon Almanac Podcast Network, overseeing multiple shows that extended the book’s message to new audiences. The network featured podcasts for both kids and their grownups, each designed to spark meaningful climate conversations. I hosted The Carbon Connection, where I spoke with contributors, publishing experts like Niki Papadopoulos, and even Seth Godin—diving deeper into climate action and the power of global collaboration.
“I was very fortunate to be able to work with Jennifer on Generation Carbon. Jennifer is a thoughtful, passionate leader who made it easy for me to contribute to every project I worked with her on.
The projects were complex, with many moving parts and tight timelines. Jennifer not only organized a very diverse team to complete these projects, but also made sure the finished product was of very high quality and that every team member felt valued.
I really enjoyed working with Jennifer. She takes the time to listen and respond with an open mind and respect for my ideas. I would welcome any opportunity to work with her again in the future.”
“Working closely with Jennifer on the Carbon Almanac Podcast Network was a wonderful experience. Jennifer guided a team of international podcasters through the development of four distinct shows. I admire her leadership style because she has a generous way of creating conditions that enable teams to immerse themselves in collaborative and creative work. She is wickedly efficient and organized when responding to project constraints and is genuine when extending patience and respect to colleagues under pressure.
Jennifer’s leadership style is patient, respectful, and generous. She listens. She makes difficult decisions and owns the decisions she makes.”
A Carbon Almanac for Kids has been translated into dozens of languages and is used by GenC changemakers worldwide.
Impact & Results
With a global reach, interactive storytelling, and a community-driven approach, Generation Carbon is empowering kids to learn, take action, and lead conversations about climate change in classrooms and beyond.
Generation Carbon quickly became a trusted educational resource for curious kids, answering their climate questions with scientifically accurate, engaging content. The podcast’s success was fueled by a diverse international team—including scientists, educators, voice actors, and young contributors—who helped shape a show that reflected global perspectives and real-world expertise. This collaborative approach enriched the content and deepened its impact, making climate education more accessible and engaging for young audiences.
Generation Carbon featured insights from leading experts in science, conservation, and education, including:
- Andrew Humphrey – Chief Meteorologist, Fox13 Memphis WHBQ-TV
- Armaan Chanana – North Shore Black Bear Society, North Vancouver
- Francois Therrien – Royal Tyrrell Museum
- Anna Gray – Food Stash Vancouver
- Nathan J. Robinson – Marine Biologist, Science Communicator at Wild Blue Science
- Heather L. Montgomery – Author of Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other
- B.J. Glick – Artist, bird enthusiast & educator
- Alexis Costello – Holistic Health Practitioner
- Jared Barnes, Ph.D. – Meristem Horticulture
- Stephanie A. Dole, Ph.D. – The Beetlelady
- Alysa McCall – Director of Conservation Outreach, Polar Bears International
With over 3,600 unique listeners across 93 countries (many being classrooms), Generation Carbon became a global platform for young voices. Schools, educators, and parents integrated the show into classrooms and discussions, and kids worldwide actively participated by submitting questions, audio, and insights. This interactive format gave young listeners a way to actively engage with climate education, turning curiosity into action.
What Parents Are Saying about Generation Carbon – The Planet – and the Grownups! – need your help!
★★★★★
Generation Carbon is great!
“Fun, vibey podcast, thanks to the Carbon Almanac team for spreading the word to all age groups (love the moniker Generation C!).”
★★★★★
Educating the kids to help change their future
“The Generation Carbon or GenC podcast is a refreshing new approach to ask kids to educate their parents and adults around them to make the change we need to have a reverse effect of climate change.”
★★★★★
Fun and educational
“My kids and I are really enjoying this series! I love the information that’s presented in a fun way, and that it’s not too long—the perfect amount of time. We really liked the episode about birds and climate change and learning about hummingbirds.”
★★★★★
Kids to the rescue!
“Great resource to inspire and inform Generation C Changemakers – and their families – on how kids can – and are – joining in the conversation – asking questions and learning about how they can get involved and help grown-ups save the planet together.”
★★★★★
Changing the world one kid at a time
“The adults clearly need to hear from the kids of the world about climate change and this podcast helps them take action. Got a kid? Know a kid? Share this podcast with them.”
★★★★★
Kids lead the way!
“So excited to share this with all the kids I know. What a fantastic idea, and an encouraging, welcoming voice. A fun and fascinating forum to get kids involved in learning and exploring how the natural world works – and maybe what’s not working so well right now – so they (and their parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles) can join together for our (and our Earth’s) future.”
★★★★★
My kids had so many questions about climate change
“Generation Carbon gave them real answers and a way to get involved! They were so excited to submit audio and hear themselves in the podcast. Such a great way to turn curiosity into action!”
★★★★★
Love This!
“My kids really enjoy listening – as do I! Fast-paced, informative, and even funny too. Kids have important questions about climate change, and subject matter experts answer them, with the help of a few relatable characters. Definitely worth checking out, plus, you’ll probably learn something too.”
★★★★★
A more conscious generation ahead!
“Love that these episodes are educational, entertaining, and still have a boost of cuteness for kids of all ages to enjoy while learning! Not only a great idea to learn on their own, but also a fantastic tool to use in elementary science classrooms, too! Definitely will be recommending to my children’s teachers.”
★★★★★
Generation Carbon has become an invaluable tool in my classroom.
“The engaging format, high-quality expert insights, and interactive storytelling make climate education accessible and exciting for young learners. My students love hearing from real scientists and fellow kids, which helps them feel empowered to take action. I’ve recommended this podcast to fellow educators as a must-have resource for teaching climate literacy in a way that sparks curiosity and real-world connections.”
★★★★★
Great ice-breaker for chatting about important stuff
“This podcast is a great way for families to begin to have important conversations.”
★★★★★
Fun, informative, and engaging!
“Love the curiosity from the kids, expert views on each topic, and the gorgeous production!! Plus – Brilliant voice talents! I can’t wait for the upcoming episodes!”
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