The Secret Life of the Next Generation.

When a child asks a parent about climate change, what should that parent say?

It’s a question I’ve been wondering recently. Younger generations are becoming increasingly aware of the climate crisis at an earlier age. Eco-anxiety is a rising concern among younger people who are worried about the future of our planet. So when they turn to their parents or guardians with questions, it helps to be prepared.?

If we are going to give young people the hope they need to tackle climate change, we need to be the playmaker that removes the barriers holding them back and to show them how they can make a difference.?

That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with Channel 4 on a YouTube series called ‘The Secret Life of the Next Generation’. Inspired by their previous documentaries exploring the lives of four, five and six year olds, this series will explore how children can take positive steps for the planet from a young age.?

Our partnership with Channel 4 aims to make it easier for parents to have climate change discussions with their children. It’s not just about words – it’s about action. We can show the younger generation that small steps lead to bigger changes over time.?

Around 20% of carbon emissions comes from home energy in the UK. So by teaching children how to use less energy at home, we can show them that their actions can have a positive impact on the planet.?

These could be as simple as:

• Turning off the lights in their bedroom when they’re not using it.
• Cutting down on screen time and playing outside more often.
• Switching off devices like phones and tablets and not leaving them plugged in for long periods of time.
• Taking a short shower instead of a bath.
• Turning off taps when they’re brushing their teeth.
• Putting an extra layer on when it’s cold inside rather than turning the heating up.
• Wearing clothes more often before putting them in the wash.

Many of these will sound familiar with parents who are tired of nagging their children. However, by teaching children why these small actions make a difference for the planet, we can help them feel more in control of their environment – and their future. These simple energy saving habits around the home can have a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.

At E.ON Next, we’re empowering the nation to turn eco-anxiety into action. This goes for children – and the grown-ups too. As the UK strives to reach its net zero target by 2050, we know it’s on us to make new energy work.

We’re proud to help our customers take control of their energy use and make decisions that are better for their wallet and the planet. We offer support in a variety of ways:?

• We supply you with 100% renewable electricity on fixed tariffs.
• Our Next Pledge tariff means you can count on energy prices that are always lower than the price cap.??
• We offer efficient home energy tech, like heat pumps in place of old gas boilers, to help customers slash carbon and save money.?

• We’ve installed more than 1.5 million energy saving measures in homes, resulting in over ￡10 billion of savings on energy bills over the lifetime of those products.?

• We’re installing solar panels (so far, over 16,000 in residential properties alone), and batteries that can help save hundreds of pounds on bills.?
• We offer EV chargers and tariffs in one, to make being more sustainable simpler.
• This summer, we’re helping festival goers to keep connected by giving them the opportunity to charge their mobiles with 100% renewable energy.?
• Over 5 million smart meters installed.

We are determined to do all this while working to reduce our own carbon footprint to net zero. We also want to inspire the entire energy industry to help reduce climate change.?

We know that if the necessary goals are going to be met, the heavy lifting is on us. But we also know that if we all play our part, the UK can reach its net zero target faster. And we can set an inspiring example to the next generation of playmakers along the way.

Watch the teaser for ‘The Secret Life of the Next Generation’.?

Stay tuned for the first 10-minute episode launching on 9 September.