Climate Change Instruction For Public Schools

June 3, 2019

“I don’t know if there is global warming.”

“The science isn't settled.”

“A false crisis.”

“I don’t know if the warming of the planet is going to be a problem.”

The above are statements made by House Republicans during a lengthy debate on climate change.

Despite holding the House chambers ‘hostage’ for more than five hours, we passed a bill requiring the instruction of climate change in our public schools. It would be included in the science curriculum and based on guidelines consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards. In 2015, the state Board of Education unanimously approved NGSS standards.

While climate change is already taught in many Connecticut schools, this legislation would codify its instruction so students have the tools they will need to be part of the solution to prevent climate change from leading to a potential environmental disaster for themselves and future generations.

After hours of debate, the bill was approved by a wide margin, 103 to 43. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, this legislation would make Connecticut the first state in the country to mandate teaching on climate change.

We have only one planet and if climate change continues unchecked, our children and grandchildren will be in danger.