A closer look at how climate change is affecting education in U.S. public schools.
By Beth Rush, Managing Editor at Body+Mind
Climate change is an undeniable reality that continues to shape the world everyone lives in. Beyond its environmental consequences, this global phenomenon has far-reaching societal implications, affecting various aspects of human life. Districts across the country are beginning to prioritize teaching climate change in schools to show children how to prepare for the events and lessen their emissions. However, several disparities make this challenging.
The Current State of Climate Education in the U.S.
Climate education is evolving quickly with regard to climate policy. However, research reveals that while efforts are commendable, climate change teachings are not standardized.
One study revealed 75% of public school science teachers taught climate change, but another found they only spent one to two hours on the topic each year. This isn’t nearly enough to impact students positively, especially at the middle and high school levels.
New Jersey became the first state to mandate climate change education in all subjects from kindergarten in 2020. Teachers must cover climate change in all subjects, including arts and computer science. The state has budgeted $5 million to prepare educators to teach this vital subject.
The lack of a standardized approach across states has led to disparities in the depth of climate education, largely due to economic differences. Schools in lower-income areas often lack the resources to implement comprehensive climate education programs. The absence of updated textbooks, modern technology and qualified educators well-versed in climate science can hinder students’ access to accurate information about environmental challenges.
Unfortunately, these resource deficiencies exacerbate educational inequalities, as students in economically vulnerable areas are less likely to receive the same level of climate education as their peers. Alarmingly, these communities are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, creating a cycle where those most in need are the least equipped to receive it.
The Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Disruptions
One of the most direct consequences of climate change in schools is the rise in extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires and heat waves. Every year, they affect over 175 million children globally.
Natural disasters have only increased in frequency across the U.S., causing billions of dollars in damage each year. These events can disrupt regular school schedules, leading to closures, evacuations or modified learning environments. Students and teachers may face challenges maintaining consistent attendance and engagement when these weather-related emergencies repeatedly interrupt their education.
Additionally, aging and inadequate infrastructure in many public schools nationwide exacerbate the impact of climate change. Poorly maintained buildings are more susceptible to damage from extreme weather events, making it difficult for schools to provide a safe learning environment. The financial strain on already cash-strapped school districts to repair and upgrade facilities further compromises the quality of education.
Changing climate patterns contribute to the spread of diseases and allergies, affecting students’ health. Increased temperatures and prolonged heat waves can result in heat-related illness, impacting their ability to focus and learn. Altered vegetation patterns can exacerbate respiratory conditions, posing challenges for attendees with preexisting health issues.
Psychological Impacts of Climate Change in Schools
A 2021 study revealed 59% of youth and young adults were extremely worried about the impacts of climate change. As much as 45% said thoughts of climate change negatively affected their daily lives. The constant exposure to news about the climate crisis and its consequences has a negative psychological impact on students.
Anxiety, depression and a sense of hopelessness about the future may affect students’ mental well-being and their ability to concentrate on their studies, known as climate anxiety disorder. Additionally, experiencing climate change’s effects in schools can have profound and lasting effects, causing trauma and psychological impacts that extend far beyond the immediate crisis. The sudden and often terrifying nature of such events can trigger feelings of fear, helplessness, and stress, negatively impacting kids’ mental health.
Witnessing the destruction of familiar surroundings, the displacement of peers or even facing personal danger can lead to posttraumatic stress symptoms, impacting concentration, sleep patterns and overall emotional stability. Safe places for learning can transform into sites of trauma, amplifying the psychological toll.
These events can have long-term consequences, manifesting as difficulties with academic performance, poor social relationships and an increased vulnerability to mental health issues. A single instance of extreme weather can be traumatic enough, but harsh conditions are only getting more common. If kids repeatedly experience such terror, it doesn’t exactly spell success for their academic future and parents might be more inclined to take them out of public schools.
Disasters may also affect some students — such as those with autism spectrum disorder, who may be more susceptible to heightened sensitivities — more than others. Over 96% of children with autism experience hypersensitivity, intensifying their response to sensory inputs like the noise of strong winds or damage to buildings. The sudden sounds, flashing lights and unpredictable environmental changes can overwhelm these students, exacerbating anxiety levels.
Resource Allocation and Budget Issues in Curriculum Changes
The constantly changing landscape of climate change requires adjustments in educational curricula. Teachers are responsible for incorporating climate science, environmental studies, and sustainability into their lesson plans to prepare students for the challenges and responsibilities associated with a changing climate. However, limited resources and training opportunities for educators may hinder the effective integration of these topics into the curriculum.
School districts find themselves grappling with increased costs associated with maintaining infrastructure resilience, adapting facilities to changing weather patterns and addressing health concerns arising from environmental shifts. This can strain budgets, potentially impacting the availability of resources for essential educational needs, such as newer textbooks, technology and extracurricular activities.
How Can Schools Better Prepare For Natural Disasters?
In the face of these increasing disasters, schools must take proactive measures to strengthen their defense against the impacts. The safety and well-being of staff and students depend on solid preparedness plans and resilient infrastructure. Here are some key strategies for schools to better prepare for these challenges.
Emergency Plans
Schools must develop and regularly update comprehensive emergency plans that specifically address natural disasters. They should cover a range of scenarios, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other relevant events.
The plans will outline evacuation routes, designated safe zones, communication protocols and assigned staff responsibilities during emergencies. Regular drills and simulations can help ensure everyone in the school community is familiar with the procedures, fostering quicker and more coordinated action when an actual disaster occurs.
Resilient Infrastructure
Investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial for minimizing the impact of natural disasters on school facilities. Municipalities must ensure buildings are constructed or retrofitted to withstand the local environmental risks to keep everyone inside as safe as possible. Crumbling or otherwise outdated structures are more prone to damage in extreme weather.
Additionally, schools should invest in backup power sources, secure food and water supplies, build safe shelters and evacuation points, and establish emergency communication systems to maintain connectivity during crises. Collaborating with local emergency management agencies can provide valuable insights into the specific risks of the area, enabling schools to tailor their infrastructure improvements accordingly.
Education and Training
Building resilience against climate change in schools involves educating children and staff about the potential risks and necessary actions during a natural disaster. Leaders should integrate relevant content into the curriculum, teaching students about emergency preparedness and response strategies.
They should also undergo regular training sessions to enhance their ability to manage stressful weather effectively. This may include first aid training, crisis communication workshops and simulation exercises. Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond calmly and efficiently can make a major difference.
Community Partnerships
Fortunately, schools don’t operate in isolation, and establishing partnerships with local emergency response agencies, community organizations and parents is crucial. Collaboration can lead to more robust emergency plans, shared resources and effective communication channels. Regularly engaging with the broader community can foster a sense of shared responsibility for the safety of learners, and contribute to a more resilient and interconnected support system during and after natural disasters.
Promoting Environmental Awareness in Public Schools
On a more positive note, the challenges climate change has posed have spurred a growing environmental awareness movement in U.S. public schools. Students are taking the lead in advocating for sustainable practices, from reducing carbon footprints to promoting eco-friendly initiatives within school communities.
Many schools have environmental clubs, community clean-up projects, or school gardens to connect attendees with nature. Some kids even actively engage in initiatives beyond their classrooms, participating in strikes and promoting eco-friendly initiatives. Social media has further amplified this awareness, allowing young people to share information, organize actions and influence broader conversations about the pressing need for environmental awareness.
Students Are the Future
U.S. schools are grappling with climate change’s direct and indirect consequences, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate its impact. As the nation confronts the reality of a shifting climate, it’s essential to provide educators with the tools and knowledge to equip students for the future. Only through a comprehensive and collaborative effort can the education system effectively address the evolving needs of its children in the face of this global crisis.
About the Author
Beth Rush is the Managing Editor at Body+Mind and a lover of all things health and wellness. She is a well-respected writer in the personal wellness space and shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to nutrition, fitness, holistic health and disease prevention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking healthy recipes and trying out new fitness trends.