I am constantly being told that my generation will be the one to inherit and save the Earth from climate change. And yet, my generation has consistently been brushed aside when we ask for the knowledge and resources to do so.
At my high school, climate education is limited to our AP Environmental Science class. However, climate change is more than just a science topic. Climate change is impacting every aspect of our lives, from our grocery stores to our public health to our energy bills. I want to learn about the climate impacts on vulnerable communities, ways to reduce food waste, methods of carbon capture, and other climate solutions.
In my advocacy for the Interdisciplinary Climate Education bill (H.560/S.391), I have met with and written to my state senator and representative, spoke at youth climate summits, and helped plan a youth climate advocacy day at the Statehouse.
When I got involved with climate action, one of my first mentors was my seventh-grade teacher. She helped me get involved with our school’s composting effort, doing all the unglamorous work of sorting people’s trash into the compost. Her teachings have inspired me to join the school’s climate action club and start Belmont High School’s student-led composting effort. Many students in the club have reported that her teachings played a role in them joining as well. However, she is just one teacher, and climate change will determine too much of our lives to not be taught to everyone.
Climate education is taught only when teachers have the right resources, time, and knowledge available. Reach out to your local state legislators and ask them to move this bill forward.
If my generation is to “save the Earth”, we need you to advocate for our right to be climate educated.
Samantha Huang Winn Street