Students Advocate for More Climate Change Education in Schools
In a packed hearing room at the Minnesota Capitol, a group of young people wearing light blue T-shirts with #teachclimate gathered to advocate for more comprehensive education on climate change in schools. The students, part of the Climate Generation group, urged the Minnesota Youth Council to support a bill that would require schools to teach more about the pressing issue of climate change.
Ethan Vue, a high school senior from California who now resides in Minnesota, highlighted the need for better education on climate change. He recalled his classmates suffering from extreme heat and droughts but not learning about the impacts of climate change in school beyond the basic concept of global warming.
While some states have made strides in incorporating climate change education into their curriculum, others have resisted. In Texas and Florida, for example, there have been instances of denying climate change in school materials. This lack of education on climate change is concerning to students like Jacob Friedman from Florida, who experienced the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian firsthand.
Despite facing opposition from some legislators and school administrators, students remain determined to push for more comprehensive climate change education. Ariela Lara from California took matters into her own hands by advocating for curriculum changes at her school after witnessing the destruction caused by floods and wildfires.
As the debate continues, students like Siyeon Joo from Louisiana emphasize the urgency of climate education, especially in communities that have been directly impacted by extreme weather events. The push for more comprehensive climate change education in schools reflects the growing awareness among young people about the need to address the climate crisis.