Climate activism could be coming to a school near you
Climate activism could be coming to a school near you Washington Examiner
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Teaching Climate Change in Schools: A Report on the Impact and Concerns
Introduction
It has been a year since New Jersey became the first state to require climate change education in nearly all grades and subjects. This move has sparked similar programs in states like California, Illinois, and New Mexico. While teaching climate change is important, there are concerns about the way it is being taught, particularly with regards to climate activism in schools.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 15: Life on Land
The Role of Climate Change Education
- New Jersey Climate Education Hub
- Instructional materials on environmental racism, youth climate action, and emotive art
The Concerns
While the scientific facts behind climate change should be taught in schools, there is a concern about the inclusion of climate activism in the curriculum. Activism aims to bring about a collective mindset shift among students, which can be seen as an attempt to reengineer parents’ social beliefs. Conservatives and fathers are often targeted as they are perceived to be resistant to climate activism. This approach has been reinforced by recent research suggesting that conservatives prefer tradition and the established order.
Even centrist organizations like the Brookings Institution have expressed concerns about political ideology hindering public opinion on climate change. They argue that schools should avoid using the term “climate change” to avoid offending parents with highly resistant political ideologies.
The Impact on Mental Health
A survey published in the Lancet found that 46% of Americans aged 16-25 are very or extremely worried about climate change. This worry negatively affects their ability to function in day-to-day life. Many young Americans are even choosing not to have children due to their fear of bringing others into a terrifying world. Younger children also experience climate anxiety, feeling hopeless and pessimistic about the planet’s future.
Teaching Climate Change Responsibly
While it is important to teach children about climate change and its scientific facts, schools should avoid turning them into political proxies. Children should be educated on climate models, the differences between climate and weather, and the Earth’s climate history. However, instilling climate hysteria and activism in school curricula may reinforce anxiety and hinder the well-being and education of the next generation.
Conclusion
Teaching climate change in schools is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to education and climate action. However, it is essential to approach this education responsibly, avoiding the use of children as political pawns. The next generation deserves an education that empowers them without compromising their welfare.
Garion Frankel is a Ph.D. student in pre-K-12 education administration at Texas A&M University. He is a Young Voices contributor and was previously an education journalist.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | The article mentions that New Jersey and other states have implemented climate change education programs that include subjects such as environmental racism, youth climate action, and emotive art representing how climate change makes us feel. These programs aim to educate students about sustainable development and promote a culture of peace and non-violence. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | The article discusses the inclusion of climate change education in school curricula, which aims to improve education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The programs mentioned in the article provide instructional materials on various climate-related topics to enhance students’ understanding of climate change. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4 By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | The article highlights the negative impact of climate change anxiety on the mental health and well-being of young Americans. The survey mentioned in the article shows that climate change worry negatively affects the ability to function in day-to-day life. This indicates the need to address mental health and well-being concerns related to climate change. |
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Source: washingtonexaminer.com
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