Even in the face of the largest marine oil spill in history, though, the perspectives of youth were commonly overlooked as adults tried to protect young people and address their own concerns about the economic, health, and environmental impacts of the disaster.

Children today are growing up in a world of ever-increasing disaster risks. Climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, and growing social and economic inequality are all exposing greater numbers of people to damage and loss, and children are among the most vulnerable.

The primary mission of schools is to educate children—and this includes the obligation to instruct students before, during, and after a disaster. In the wake of a storm, schools must balance the need to educate students with the ability to provide them with recovery support.