If you're wondering, "where do I even begin? I'm not even sure I totally understand climate change! It makes me anxious to really think about it..., I'm not a science teacher, how does this apply to me?" then this page is a great place to start.
In 2019 National Public Radio marked Earth Day by publishing an article highlighting why most teachers don't teach climate change. In March 2021 most British teachers say they lack training on teaching climate change. The good news is that in 2020 the National Education Association has finally decided we should teach about climate change.
You don’t need to understand everything there is to know about climate science in order to teach kids about climate change.
Chances are, your own K-12 education did not leave you feeling climate change literate. Critical fields in universities are still not adequately preparing their graduates to create a climate resilient future. The good news is, there is a wealth of easy to access information available. Before you even start improving your knowledge of carbon farming, consider the following
The Sierra Club of California articulates:
To be climate change literate, a student should understand these principles
The causes of climate change
Its potential for harm
What is required to avoid significant climate destabilization
Actions needed to ensure a livable future
The key people and institutions involved in implementing those actions
What I find is that the the majority of resources on climate change education focus on steps 1 and 2. Which are of critical importance. They are well articulated in the Essential Principles of Climate Science:
Sun is primary energy
Climate is complex
Life affects climate; climate affects life
Climate is variable
Our understanding of climate
Humans affect climate
Climate change has consequences
All very valid points., focused on the cause and the harm. Not to be overlooked is the guiding principle behind them is "humans can take action," which does bring us to number three, and perhaps number four on the list of climate change literacy steps. But where is the optimism, the innovation, adaptation, and resiliency? Where is the reckoning with environmental racism? When we rely solely on science teachers to teach climate change, we are neglecting the fact that steps 3 through 5 require social studies, social emotional learning, writing skills, and would be enhanced by the arts and experiences outdoors.
That is why our curricular framework is transdisciplinary and is designed with three thematic strands:
Climate and Naturally-Caused Climate Change
Cause and Effects of Anthropogenic Climate Change
Adaptation and Mitigation of Anthropogenic Climate Change
Woven throughout each of those strands are action projects, so that children from a young age know not just that they can make a difference, but how to make a difference.
Next steps:
Familiarize yourself with the Carbon cycle
Elect climate aware and committed politicians at all levels of government (The science to save humanity already exists. Policy makers aren't letting it get put in practice.)
Instill activism and eco habits in your children and students
Get kids outside in nature
Take care of these kiddos so they have a role model of caring to draw from
Check out our resources page to keep educating yourself on environmental literacy, environmental justice, and environmental racism