Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, and its impact is far-reaching and undeniable. Yet, when it comes to teaching climate change in classrooms, educators face a myriad of challenges. In our recent webinar, A Report from the Field: How Climate Education Is Being Taught, investigative journalist Katie Worth delved into the world of climate education, exploring the stories of youth in the Pacific Nation of Marshall Islands and those impacted by the 2018 Paradise, California wildfires.
Using these real-world examples, Katie discussed the critical importance of teaching about climate change, explored the obstacles teachers face, and shared strategies being used in classrooms across the nation to foster effective climate education.
The Obstacles: Roadblocks in Education
- Varied Approaches to Teaching Climate Change: In the United States, climate education is a patchwork quilt. While awareness of the climate crisis is growing, not all students receive the same level of education on the subject. Individual states and districts have different standards, requirements, and materials. This disparity in knowledge can have profound consequences for our future.
- The Clash of Opinions: The schism in climate change acceptance is striking. A UN survey revealed that 25% of American teens aged 14-17 reject the idea of a climate crisis, a figure lower than that of their parents and grandparents. Among adults, this rejection rate rises to 37%. Notably, the skepticism is higher in the U.S. than in other North American and European countries.
- Insufficient Teaching Time: Most science teachers in the United States allocate between 0–2 hours per year to teaching climate change. This meager amount of time devoted to such a far-reaching topic raises concerns about whether students are getting adequate exposure to the scientific underpinnings of climate change.
- Debating vs. Teaching Scientific Fact: Approximately one-third of teachers inform their students that “many scientists believe” climate change might be natural. Additionally, two-thirds of teachers present climate change as a debate, despite the consensus among climate scientists that human activities are largely responsible for the recent planetary warming.
Strategies to Teach Climate Science
- Recognize Emotion, Listen, Then Follow the Science: Validating students’ feelings and acknowledging the emotional challenges of conflicting information is the first step in fostering productive discussions. Encourage open dialogue and a focus on presenting data-driven scientific facts to create a solid foundation for learning.
- Start with the Basics: Providing students with context and foundational knowledge in science is crucial before delving into the complexities of climate change. This can help build a solid understanding of the subject.
- Promote Media Literacy: Empowering students to critically evaluate sources and claims related to climate change is key to helping them navigate the complex and often divisive topic. Encourage media literacy as an essential component of science education, helping students discern credible information from misinformation.
What Does Effective Climate Education Look Like?
- Key Concepts: Ensuring students grasp four fundamental concepts about climate change is essential. This comprehensive understanding can empower them to become agents of change.
- It’s real.
- It’s caused by human activities.
- It has severe consequences.
- There’s hope and potential for solutions.
- Community Involvement: Involving students in community advocacy and action, such as forming clubs or participating in activities like tree planting, empowers them to take an active role in addressing the climate crisis. These actions not only engage students but also positively impact their mental health and sense of purpose.
Teaching climate change in a world filled with skepticism and misinformation is undeniably challenging, as discussed in the webinar. However, the path forward lies in acknowledging students’ emotions, adhering to the science, and promoting media literacy.
Effective climate education equips students with knowledge, empowers them to advocate for change, and offers hope for a sustainable future. This is exemplified in the webinar by young leaders like Wilmer from the Marshall Islands who understand the urgency of the climate crisis and the importance of collective action. As we navigate the obstacles and embrace effective strategies, we can pave the way for a more informed and engaged generation ready to tackle the climate challenges of our time.
What to learn more from Katie Worth’s reporting? Watch our on-demand webinar, A Report from the Field: How Climate Education Is Being Taught in the U.S.
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