Climate Literacy

Students, educators, and schools across Hawaiʻi recognize the urgent need to address significant environmental changes. Hawaiʻi needs a workforce ready to tackle new challenges in energy, food production, conservation, and more.

 

Two bills - HB1925 and SB2473 - are before the legislature which if passed would require the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate program to provide students with an advanced understanding of climate change through academic coursework and hands-on learning.

 

Passage of either of these bills means that Hawaiʻi DOE will create a climate literacy certificate program to prepare high school students in addressing the economic and social impacts of climate change.

The Department of Education will establish the program requirements and approved courses that include the completion of:
          (A)  At least two approved courses with climate literacy standards (e.g., a high school science course); and
          (B)  An experiential learning project;
   

Why Experiential Education?

Studies show that the most impactful way to engage youth around climate issues is through hands-on learning in their own communities. Youth may feel overwhelmed by the scale and consequences of climate change. Completing an experiential learning project relevant to their own life experience can not only expand academic and professional opportunities but it may also support a young person’s mental health and wellbeing.