The Importance of Early Education in Climate Change for SD Negeri 92 Rumbai, Pekanbaru

The increasing global impact of climate change necessitates early education to prepare future generations for sustainable living. This study focuses on raising awareness and promoting actionable behaviors related to climate change among students of SD Negeri 92 Rumbai, Pekanbaru. Early education at the elementary level is pivotal in shaping attitudes and fostering environmental responsibility from a young age. The primary objective was to enhance students' understanding and encourage proactive habits to address climate issues. The methods employed included socialization, interactive discussions, and practical activities like planting vegetable crops to promote family food security. A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire evaluated students’ knowledge and attitudes toward climate change. The findings revealed a significant improvement in understanding. Initially, 36% of students were unaware of climate change, while 64% had basic knowledge. After the intervention, 94% demonstrated enhanced comprehension, with only 6% remaining uninformed. Students recognized issues such as erratic weather and rising temperatures but initially lacked actionable knowledge. Practical activities, such as planting and recycling, encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices. This study concludes that early climate change education significantly improves awareness and empowers students to adopt responsible behaviors. Recommendations include periodic evaluations and incorporating climate change education into school curricula, enabling students to act as environmental advocates within their communities.