Washington, DC (August 15, 2024) – EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, marked by over one billion people worldwide on April 22, today releases a first of its kind teaching aid, THE SCHOOL GUIDE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the perspectives and actions of future generations. Therefore, it is imperative to equip them with the knowledge needed to effectively teach about climate change through robust professional development opportunities.
“We know classrooms have a vital role in preparing the next generation for managing the climate crisis we have created,” said Kathleen Rogers, President, EARTHDAY.ORG. “Climate education is a subject very close to our hearts as we have been championing the teaching of it in all classrooms now for over a decade.”
This new EARTHDAY.ORG teacher training guide will empower educators to navigate complex scientific concepts but also enable them to foster critical thinking, empathy, and action among their students.
This four-part guide helps teachers learn about the three Pillars of Climate Education: Climate Mental Well-Being, Green Muscle Memory, and Climate Solutions: Green Skills and Technology. It demonstrates how to incorporate this three-pronged framework into lessons across a wide range of subjects, emphasizing that meaningful climate education requires integration across all disciplines.
Science classes teach greenhouse gas emissions and global temperature rises, but subjects such as English, civics, economics, and history also have a critical role to play in climate education. For instance, students might explore climate refugee stories in English classes or examine inequalities exacerbated by climate change in economics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that climate education is not confined to science classes alone, but is embedded throughout the K-12 curriculum.
“As a former teacher myself, I know how much these teaching guides can support professional development in organizing lessons,” said Emily Walker, Education Coordinator, EDO. “Especially when, like ours, we want climate education to be incorporated across as many topics as possible.”
To support this goal, EARTHDAY.ORG will host a complimentary professional development day for teachers, led by Emily Walker, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, October 9th. During this event, a small group of teachers will receive a step-by-step guide on how to effectively utilize THE SCHOOL GUIDE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
Washington, DC-based teachers interested in participating are kindly invited to apply by emailing Emily Walker at [email protected]. Media representatives who wish to attend are encouraged to contact Sarah or Terran from EDO’s Communications team, whose details are provided below. Please note that while breakfast and lunch will be provided, attendees will be responsible for their own travel expenses.
About EARTHDAY.ORG: Our founders created and organized the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Since then, EARTHDAY.ORG has mobilized over one billion people annually to protect the planet. EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community worldwide. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.
For Media Inquiries/background/quotes and interviews:
Sarah Davies, [email protected], +1 240 463 1341 (Washington DC)
Terran Fielder, [email protected], +1 661 444 4436 (Washington DC)
