Rachael Liddie

As a child in the early 2010’s I cherished playing outdoors with friends, basking in the sun’s warmth, and the distant melody of wind chimes. However, with age, I became increasingly aware of rising temperatures without understanding the underlying causes, from the washed up whales at the Oceanfront to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Recognizing the importance of education, especially through the school curricula, is crucial in ensuring that future generations comprehend and address the environmental challenges we face.

In 2023, approximately 240 climate related incidents were documented worldwide in the international disaster database, resulting in the displacement of children and adolescents from their homes, schools, and communities due to human – induced disasters. As kids inquire about the reasons behind these events, they often turn to their parents for answers, posing a fundamental, yet complex question: why? However, without integration into various subjects within the curriculum, addressing this query becomes challenging.

The rising temperatures in Virginia Beach not only worsen conditions like asthma and raise vulnerability to diseases, but also increase stress levels. Insights from environmental correspondent Matt McGrath indicate that climate change may amplify the spread of mosquito – borne illnesses such as dengue fever. For high school students managing school, work, different extracurriculars, and family issues, the impacts of global warming further compound the difficulties they encounter.

As many may have noticed, the only time we hear about climate change is in science class, like 9th grade Earth Science. But History classes can discuss geological records, while math teachers could create work problems involving data analysis to predict weather patterns. Furthermore, literature courses can encourage critical thinking by analyzing texts with environmental themes, fostering awareness of climate – related issues through storytelling. This could be helpful for students who are interested in environmental science and in other school subjects.

Some argue against integrating climate change into school curriculum, claiming it politicizes education and is biased. However, climate change is scientifically supported by vast evidence globally. Educating students about climate change encourages critical thinking, scientific understanding, and informed decision-making, all skills that are crucial for addressing this global challenge that transcends political divides.

As a final point, teaching climate change in school is imperative for equipping future generations with the knowledge and understanding needed to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. By educating high school students and future generations about climate change, we empower them to become informed global citizens capable of making informed decisions and taking meaningful action to diminish its impacts and work towards a sustainable future.