Climate Education
Climate Education Close to Becoming a Reality in Oregon
June 17, 2025
76% of Oregonians believe climate change should be taught in schools. New legislation is responding to that demand.
Oregon has long been a leader in climate policy, setting ambitious clean energy goals and creating thousands of jobs in the green economy such as requiring utility companies to eliminate their greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity they provide by 100% by 2040.But while Oregon’s investment in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives is impressive, investing in the next generation is key. That’s where House Bill 3365 comes in.
This bill, currently under consideration in the the Oregon Senate, would ensure that climate education is integrated across many subjects in Oregon’s K-12 schools including health and history. This would mean that educators weave climate change education into their subject areas. An example of this is students reading The Grapes of Wrath in English class and comparing the migration caused by the Dust Bowl with modern day climate refugees.
If passed, Oregon would be one of the few states (after New Jersey in 2023 became the first)to mandate comprehensive, interdisciplinary climate education. This is not just an environmental imperative; it is an economic, social, and educational necessity.
Equipping Students for the Future
Oregon’s young people will graduate into a world defined by climate change. Many students feel unprepared for this reality. Research has shown that climate anxiety is on the rise among young people, with up to 85% of Gen Zers saying that they are worried about climate change. HB 3365 directly addresses this issue by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges ahead.
A well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach to climate education would mean climate education in math, language class, art and science and more. This doesn’t just benefit students who want to pursue careers in environmental science. It is essential for all fields.
Here’s why – future engineers must understand sustainable design. Future business leaders must incorporate climate resilience into their strategies. Future policymakers must be grounded in climate science to make informed decisions.
By embedding climate education across all subjects—from science to social studies to economics—this bill ensures that every Oregon student is prepared to thrive in a changing world.
Strong Support from Educators and Students
The call for climate education is coming directly from those who know education best: teachers and students. HB 3365 was drafted by Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE), a dedicated group of Oregon educators, who spent two years refining the bill with input from stakeholders statewide. Among the groups that support the bill are the Oregon Educators Association, the Oregon Pediatric Society, and the hundreds of students who have spoken out in favor of the bill.
Their work reflects a broad consensus among educators that climate education is not an optional add-on but an essential part of preparing students for the future.
“When students are exposed to locally relevant and right now topics, it engages them to read, write, and have discussions about it. Through a standards approach, teachers can effectively integrate the topic of climate change in age appropriate ways into the content they are already required to teach. Given standards alignment and resources to weave the topic of climate change into the regular curriculum, teachers can help formalize and normalize the topic across subject areas.” says Tana Shepard in her testimony submitted on March 12, 2025 on behalf of the OECE.
A Smart Investment in Oregon’s Future
Climate education is not just about understanding environmental issues; it is about preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.
As Oregon moves towards a net-zero economy, demand for workers in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure will continue to grow. HB 3365 ensures that Oregon youth are equipped with the interdisciplinary skills necessary to seize these opportunities and drive innovation in the green sector.
The future belongs to those who are prepared for it. Oregon has a choice: to continue to treat climate education as an afterthought, or to lead the nation in ensuring that our students are ready for the world they will inherit. The support for this bill is broad, the need is urgent, and the time to act is now. As the bill progresses and has already cleared the first hurdle of passing in the house of representatives, please consider emailing your state senator to vote YES on HB 3365 to ensure its passage in the state senate.
This year is the 55th anniversary of the very first Earth Day. What a better way to honor this anniversary than to pass HB 3365 and give Oregon’s youth the education they deserve—and the future they need.
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