Climate-Resilient Green Spaces Where Children Can Truly Thrive

Children thrive outdoors. Nature thrives when each of us understands it’s many benefits and take action to protect it, recognizing at the same time that we are protecting all forms of life on this planet including that of future generations. This is the successful pathway towards environmental sustainability that Indigenous peoples have followed for generations and that continues to guide nature-based education.

 

Unfortunately, a growing proportion of children in Canada are losing their connection with nature, as climate change, pollution, urbanization and other land-use pressures reduce the quality and quantity of green space where they live, learn and play. Mental health and eco-anxiety concerns are increasing in children and youth. The good news is that solutions exist. One example is by ensuring that children have plentiful access to outdoor learning and play settings that are healthy, sustainable and climate-resilient. Access to naturalized green spaces also enables land-based learning opportunities for children and youth, increasing awareness and fostering environmental stewardship practices.

 

In light of the growing body of evidence of the human and planetary health benefits of sustainable and climate-resilient green space, Greys for Green joined over 50 organizations to sign on to the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment’s 2026 Healthy Environments for Learning Day campaign – A Collective Call for Action for Healthy, Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Outdoor Learning and Play Settings for All Children in Canada.

 

The evidence is clear – children are more active, have enhanced learning and self-regulation of emotions and behaviours, improved social interactions, and better mental health when they have ample time in natural outdoor settings. While everyone benefits from nearby green space, evidence suggests that children and low-income groups may benefit the most. Cognitive development in primary school children has been associated with more green space around schools, homes, and commuting routes. Climate change is increasing health risks, and the increasing use of plastics and other synthetic materials on children’s play surfaces is raising significant health and environmental concerns.

 

Given the environmental health evidence and growing concerns, the Collective Call for Action urges decision-makers to ensure that outdoor learning environments prioritize child health and well-being, and climate resiliency by:

1. Developing guidelines for healthy, sustainable and climate-resilient outdoor settings that protect children from climate and other environmental hazards (e.g., tree canopy cover for shade and cooling, natural rather than artificial surfacing to reduce heat-island effect and mitigate flood risks),
2. Promoting land-based learning to build literacy and promote nature-health connections,
3. Investing in building and retrofitting outdoor spaces for climate-resiliency,
4. Collecting environmental health and equity indicators (e.g., location, quantity and quality of outdoor learning environments, shade provisions, climate hazards), and,
5. Coordinating across all levels of government on guidance and investments to realize the child health, climate-resiliency and economic benefits of naturalized outdoor learning settings for all children.

 

For tips and tools to promote and help create healthy, sustainable and climate-resilient outdoor learning and play settings in your community, check out the Healthy Environments for Learning Day 2026 campaign.