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Supporting kids, parents, and educators in a changing climate.

Practical guidance for parents, educators, schools, and communities.

Kids are growing up in a world being reshaped by climate change. I work to help families, schools, and communities support resilient, informed, hopeful kids in a changing climate.

I’m a mom of three, an educator, researcher, policy advisor, and the founder of The Aspen Institute's This Is Planet Ed.

Let’s talk.

Practical Guidance for Parents & Educators

Latest Media, Speaking, & Work

  • The word 'TIME' written in red uppercase letters on a white background.

    What World Cup Hydration Breaks Tell Us About the Times We Live In

    TIME


    “Everyone seems to have an opinion about the hydration breaks at this summer's World Cup. Many scoff at the need, suggesting they are another FIFA grab at an ad buy. Others question why they occur at every match, regardless of the local temperature or if the stadium has air conditioning. Those criticisms are fair, but they distract us from a more important story. “

    Read here

  • USA Today logo with blue circle and black text

    Summer camps aren't ready for the summers we have now

    USA Today

    “Summers can be much rougher than the ones we and our parents and grandparents experienced. Every camp in the country should be ready for the seasons we actually have ‒ not the ones we used to have.”

    Read here

  • Four people standing together indoors, smiling for a photo. Two women with short hair wearing glasses and a man with short dark hair, all dressed in casual or business casual attire, standing in front of a black curtain backdrop with a red and white banner partially visible behind them.

    SXSW: Climate Content that Clicks

    From YouTube science shows to animated series and hit podcasts, climate content is getting a creative reboot. And today, climate-smart content isn't optional; it's foundational.This session brings together leaders from media, education, and policy to explore how we prepare the next generation to adapt and lead in a changing world. Learn how storytelling, humor, and accessibility are helping families make sense of climate change and act on it together.

  • Logo of  'Motherly' written in black uppercase letters on a white background.

    An education expert’s plan for parents navigating climate anxiety in kids (when you’re scared too)

    Sara Goldstein, Motherly

    I know every instinct tells us to protect our kids from scary things. But Schifter’s advice might surprise you: “To support our kids, we must confront the reality that our children are living in a changing climate today and shift from trying to shield them from that reality to actively helping them navigate it.”

    Read here

  • Logo of the American Museum of Natural History

    Empowering the Climate Generation

    In this urgent and hopeful conversation, Dr. Chelsea Clinton moderates a discussion with Chancellor of the State University of New York and Museum Trustee John King, Jr., Laura Schifter, founder and director of This Is Planet Ed, and Museum President Sean Decatur about the crucial role that educational and civic institutions must play in this moment. Together, they’ll explore how we can collaborate to support families and equip young people with the knowledge, resilience, and tools they need to shape a better future. 

  • The TIME magazine logo in red text on a white background.

    The Rising Threat of Extreme Heat for Young Athletes

    TIME

    “We can’t shield kids from intense heat. But we can give them language, strategies, and confidence to recognize risks. Climate extremes are increasingly a part of childhood, and right now, we aren’t doing enough to help young people navigate this reality.”

    Read here