Several dozen young people wearing light blue T-shirts imprinted with #teachclimate gathered in the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul in late February to advocate for more climate change education in schools. The students and advocates, part of the group Climate Generation, called on the Minnesota Youth Council to support a bill requiring schools to teach more about climate change. Ethan Vue, a high school senior from California now living in Minnesota, emphasized the importance of understanding climate change impacts, such as heat waves, which are not adequately addressed in the current curriculum. Many students and advocates believe that the existing science curriculum falls short in addressing the urgency and gravity of climate change and are calling for more comprehensive education on the topic.
While many states teach basic environmental science concepts, some states and school districts have resisted including climate change education in their curriculum. In places like Texas and Florida, climate change information has been denied or omitted from educational materials. This lack of understanding and awareness about climate change leaves students ill-prepared to navigate the challenges posed by a warming planet. Advocates argue that it is essential for schools to educate students about the science, causes, and impacts of climate change in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to address this global crisis.
In response to the growing demand for climate change education, some states have taken steps to incorporate it into their curriculum. States like New Jersey, Connecticut, and California have mandated the teaching of climate change at all grade levels. Other states have introduced measures to require more comprehensive education on climate change. However, in Minnesota, a bill that goes beyond basic climate science education to include teachings on climate justice faced opposition from some legislators who viewed it as pushing a political agenda. Despite the setbacks, advocates are determined to continue pushing for more robust climate education in schools to ensure that students are equipped to address the challenges of a changing climate.
For students like Ariela Lara from California, the lack of comprehensive climate education in schools prompted her to advocate for change at the local level. Lara experienced the impacts of climate change first-hand, from floods in her mother’s village in Mexico to wildfires in California, yet found the curriculum only focused on recycling and carbon footprints. By engaging with the board of education, Lara sought to rewrite the curriculum to include more in-depth teachings on climate change. Similarly, students like Siyeon Joo from Louisiana, who was told by an educator that climate change wasn’t real, are taking matters into their own hands to educate themselves about the climate crisis. These students highlight the importance of comprehensive climate education in schools to ensure that future generations are prepared to address the environmental challenges ahead.
While progress has been made in some states to incorporate climate change education into school curricula, many students still feel that the existing curriculum falls short in adequately addressing the urgent need for climate literacy. Advocates stress the importance of integrating climate science and climate justice teachings into various subjects to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges posed by a warming planet, schools can play a crucial role in preparing future generations to tackle the climate crisis. As students continue to advocate for more robust climate education, the push for comprehensive climate literacy in schools remains a priority for ensuring that young people are informed and empowered to take action against climate change.
