Prudence Foundation champions climate resiliency for youth with climate change initiative

The new collaborative program aims to educate children on climate change and resilience, marking a significant step in community-focused environmental education.

Prudence Foundation, the charitable arm of Prudential plc, has recently launched 'Safe Steps Kids Climate Change', the latest thematic series of the SAFE STEPS Kids programme which aims to teach children about climate change issues and simple actions they can take to make the planet healthier and safer.

Using well-loved cartoon characters such as We Bare Bears and Gumball, the programme was developed in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network.

Marc Fancy, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation, said that this initiative aligns with the foundation's broader strategy to integrate climate resiliency into its community investment efforts.

“Our mission is to build more resilient communities and mitigate life's risks, which is aligned with our business DNA in life insurance – protecting people before an event happens,” Fancy said. The foundation's focus on climate adaptation is a critical aspect of this mission, given the growing global relevance of the issue.

He mentioned how the Prudence Foundation's commitment to climate resiliency is evident in several initiatives such as the 'Safe Steps Kids' program. Additionally, the foundation works with Save the Children and Plan International in Southeast Asia to build resilience at a community level, focusing on education in safe environments and awareness of climate-related risks like typhoons and earthquakes.

Fancy added another significant endeavor which involves the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Climate Center. This research-focused partnership aims to forecast health hazards resulting from climate change and develop solutions to mitigate these risks through Red Cross societies in different countries.

When asked about the emphasis on children in their climate resiliency efforts, Fancy explained, “Educating children about life's risks is crucial. It's about giving them the best start in life with the right tools and resources.” He believed that focusing on the younger generation aligns with the foundation's purpose to ensure a better future for every life.

Looking ahead, Prudence Foundation aims to continue collaborations with the International Federation of the Red Cross, starting new programs with 'Climate Resilience for All', an NGO focusing on the impacts of heat on vulnerable communities, and expanding the 'Safe Steps D-Tech' platform. This platform, initially an awards show, will evolve into an ecosystem connecting governments, NGOs, venture capitalists, and tech companies with life-saving technology related to the climate agenda.