Dear students of California:

Warming temperatures and escalating climate disruption threaten our health, air and water quality, food, shelter, and economic security, posing an existential threat to humanity and the world’s biodiversity. Climate change is happening now and is rapidly becoming irreversible, especially impacting youth from Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous, and low-income communities. 

We are proud to say, the California Legislature has led the way in addressing climate change by providing billions of dollars in infrastructure investments and policy changes. Climate change is listed as a major priority for the state of California, but within the Governor’s 2022-2023 budget proposal, we see an opportunity to do more.

The next step is to educate our youth on the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change. 

It is critical that we equip all students with the knowledge and skills they will need to understand and respond effectively to the climate situation in order to shape a sustainable future for generations to come. They would learn the causes of climate change, its potential for harm, what is required to avoid significant climate destabilization, actions needed to ensure a livable future, and the key people and institutions involved in those actions.

Students equipped with science-based knowledge will have a greater chance of success in understanding, adapting, and responding effectively to climate issues. Additionally, climate justice education that is focused on doable solutions energizes and empowers our children for a sustainable future and a livable planet. 

This is the year to start statewide climate literacy funding, as California has a $31 billion surplus and the effects of climate change continue to worsen and become irreparable; this is the year to commit capital to fund the work above.

​​What is missing is sufficient funding for education administrators and teachers at the state, county, and district levels to fully and equitably implement climate change and environmental justice programs for all students — with a focus on those in historically marginalized communities.

A broad coalition—the Sierra Club, California Academy of Sciences, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and more—has come together to support climate change education (see attached). Students, join us in this request for $200 million dollars for state, county, and district implementation in California. 

Join us, and millions of others, to educate students on climate change and its effects on the world around us.

We aim to: (See attached letter for more information)

• Provide $40MM for leadership at the state level 
• Provide $60MM for direction and support at the county level 
• Provide $100MM for district implementation and integration 

We are currently in talks with multiple Assembly and Senate members to get this into a trailer budget bill in late spring.

What you can do to help:

• Sign this petition to support climate literacy curriculum in California
• Record a brief video about why climate literacy matters to students, with #Californians4ClimateLiteracy  
• Forward this petition to your friends and family! Our goal is 1000 cumulative group and individual signatures by May 1st
• Help us organize to support this resolution and other climate solutions, Contact us at CA4climateliteracy@gmail.com to get involved

After seeing the devastating effects of climate change in California and around the world, we believe that solutions must come from everywhere — including our public schools. Join the Sierra Club, California Academy of Sciences, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and more. Please sign this petition and support this cause!

Sincerely,

Rishi Gurjar, Sophia Ware, Ella Suring, Myroslava Fisun

High school students and environmental advocates in CA

Californians for Climate Literacy

Supporting student environmental groups:

Beyond Terra, City of Fremont FIERCE, American High School Science and Eco Club, Piedmont High School Green Club, Albany High School Climate Club