Parental environmental education in early childhood is vital for nurturing environmental awareness and ecological protection. This study investigates how parents’ nature engagement methods influence children’s environmental awareness and participation in protection activities. Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework with data from 516 children and their primary caregivers across 23 elementary summer schools in five urban Chinese cities, the findings reveal varying impacts of parental engagement methods. Raising animals and plants is positively associated with environmental awareness (moderate reliability) and protection activities (high (...) reliability). Visiting museums about endangered and extinct species enhances children’s environmental awareness, while learning about insects and their habits improves their participation in protection activities (both high reliability). However, outdoor learning experiences and playing in natural environments (e.g., parks and forests) show ambiguous effects. These results underscore the value of family-centered environmental education, emphasizing the crucial roles of direct nature interactions and providing actionable insights for child-focused environmental policies. (shrink)

Imagine a world where three out of every four wild animals have disappeared. This isn’t science fiction – it’s our reality. The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Living Planet Report 2024 reveals a shocking truth: in just 50 years, wildlife populations worldwide have dropped by 73% on average. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the situation is even worse, with up to 95% of wildlife lost.

The global race for scientific supremacy is more than a geopolitical contest; it is a test of humanity’s ability to use finite resources wisely. Europe’s FP10, Asia’s rapid R&D growth, and the shifting priorities of the United States each offer lessons in both opportunities and pitfalls. As emerging economies navigate this complex landscape, the focus must remain on maximizing effectiveness and efficiency in science investments. Ultimately, the question is not only about how much we invest in science but also how (...) intelligently we do so. Science must lead by example, proving its capacity to innovate its own processes while addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges. Only then can we ensure that finite resources yield infinite possibilities. (shrink)