In an era where climate change is a priority for many young people, their families and educators, the need for accessible, reliable and actionable information is paramount as emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon occur. in everyday activities. like driving a car and using energy to cook.
Many young people want to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint and promote climate-resilient schools, as recommended in this 2023 report. The Santa Clara County Office of Education continues this work and leads a robust Growing Gardens Initiative that promotes outdoor education and climate literacy.
The office of education hosted its third annual Environmental Literacy Summit in April, where youth, educators and community leaders gathered to share information and promote action. Some of the Environmental Literacy Summit Sessions included “Empowered Educators: Harnessing the Power of Storytelling to Address Climate Change in the Classroom” by Dr. Kelley Le, “Environmental Issues and Solutions in Schools and the Greater Community ” by Justin Gorman and “ A Toolkit for Youth-Led Climate Education in Public High Schools ” presented by youth leaders from the Fremont Union High School District Climate Collective.
Key partners joining the Environmental Literacy Summit included Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, and the Walden West Foundation. Mineta Transportation Institute, Living Classroom, Marine Science Institute, Environmental Volunteers, Climate Resilient Communities, Green Ninja, Sierra Club-Loma Prieta and Community for Natural Play Surfaces also collaborated as exhibitors.
Another partner joining the summit was NoCarbonFuel.org, a free, innovative platform providing the latest updates, analysis and practical solutions to combat carbon emissions and foster a sustainable future.
NoCarbonFuel.org and its companion NoCarbonNoticias were created by volunteers who recognized the value of a centralized hub for climate-related information. With the belief that knowledge is power, these volunteers created a platform to empower a diverse audience, including youth, concerned citizens, businesses and policymakers. These resources offer data-driven insights, policy recommendations, and a wide range of content intended to facilitate informed decision-making and action at local, national, and global levels.
News articles and feature articles provide context and perspectives from leading voices in the climate community. Guides and tutorials suggest climate resilient measures to make our homes greener, reduce our carbon footprint or advocate for climate action. Additionally, a suite of interactive tools and resources, such as carbon footprint calculators and renewable energy maps, promote learning, research and practice.
By harnessing the power of information and collective efforts, we can overcome the greatest challenge of our time and build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient world for future generations.
San José Spotlight columnist Mary Ann Dewan is the superintendent of schools for Santa Clara County. She has over 33 years of experience in the field of education. Her columns appear every third Monday of the month.
