Americans Endorse Climate Change Education

• Main Authors: Pizmony-Levy, Oren, Pallas, Aaron M.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Teachers College, Columbia University 2019
• Subjects: Climatic changes; Environmental education > Study and teaching (Elementary); Environmental education > Study and teaching (Secondary); Global warming > Study and teaching (Secondary); Environmental education > Public opinion; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7916/d8-sr6k-8z81

Scientists and the international community agree: Climate change is a defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. Whether referred to as "global warming" or "climate change," these patterns have already had observable effects on our planet, including loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves. Education, from classrooms to boardrooms, is seen as a critical tool for boosting both resilience and the capacity to carry out the enormous social and technological changes necessary to cut risks as the human surge meets accelerating climate disruption. By engaging students with climate science, energy history and related subjects, schools can help young people grasp reality amid today’s noise and polarization, and shape academic, civic and career paths that can help build a climate-safe future. Public opinion polling on teaching about global warming and climate change is a relatively limited. This research brief examines Americans' views of teaching about global warming and climate change in primary and secondary schools. The brief provides detailed analysis by socio-demographic groups and open-ended reflection from respondents.