University of Malta showcases research on climate emotions in early childhood at Being SEA-EU conference in Gdańsk

On 16 September 2026, Dr Jane Spiteri represented the University of Malta at the Being SEA-EU conference, held at the University of Gdańsk, Poland, from 15-17 September 2026.

The event brought together academics from SEA-EU partner universities to explore their ongoing research. During the conference, Dr Spiteri presented her work on climate emotions in early childhood, emphasising the way in which children under eight need educators who listen to their concerns about climate change, speak truthfully to them about it, and help them find meaningful ways to participate in climate activism from an early age.

During the presentation she explained how young children may notice changes in their surroundings due to climate change, yet they may not have acquired the language skills necessary to discuss these changes and the emotions surrounding them.

Spiteri’s research shows that young children do not necessarily express concern about climate change in the ways older students do. Their questions may emerge through play, drawings, behaviour or attachment to familiar places and animals.

Consequently, more climate facts may overwhelm young children, whereas silence may leave the worry unexplored. Educators therefore need to recognise and respond to possible concerns without assuming that a single comment or drawing reveals a child’s emotional state.

In her presentation, Climate Emotions, Hope and Resilience in Early Childhood Education: A European Framework for Climate Change Teacher Education, Dr Spiteri outlined an approach to early childhood teacher education grounded in supportive relationships.

The framework helps early childhood educators respond to young children’s climate emotions, explain climate change issues clearly, involve children in achievable local environmental decisions from an early age, and nurture hope without dismissing sadness or uncertainty about the climate crisis.

The nine coastal universities of the SEA-EU alliance offer a setting in which to develop this work. Communities may differ in the climate challenges they face, the languages they speak, and the ways children experience their local environments. Dr Spiteri proposed a shared ethical foundation that could be adapted to those contexts through educator consultation, training and evaluation.

Her presentation set out a goal to test whether better teacher preparation can help young children make sense of a changing world within supportive relationships, and take part in shaping the places they know.

Dr Jane Spiteri is a senior lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education.