In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to require climate change education across all subjects. Therefore, climate change is not just taught in science classes but across the curriculum. The law went into effect in the 2022-2023 school year. The Department of Environmental Protection released a guidebook of a Summary of Climate Change in New Jersey. This guidebook helps teachers learn about how to teach climate change in the classroom, the background of climate change, how to meet the state’s new standards for addressing the issue at all grade levels, and how this impacts the future of New Jersey.
The guidebook quotes: “As a teacher, you are tasked with helping the next generation of leaders to prepare for the environmental challenges of the future. By incorporating climate change education across our NJ student learning standards, your classroom discussions can inspire students to think critically and develop solutions to our climate crisis.” This guidebook emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness and knowledge to students about climate change. (Climate Change in New Jersey for Teachers Guidebook).
Climate change is caused by the increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. From the burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions are causing a steady rise in global temperatures. The effect of this will continue to negatively impact New Jersey residents’ health, water supply and quality, storms and flooding, animals, ecosystems, and food sources. Temperature increases are felt more strongly in New Jersey because of the high urbanization of the state. In New Jersey, the transportation sector causes around 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, most commonly from personal vehicles. Students can learn about safe and environmentally friendly ways to make a difference in different transportation methods.
The Department of Environmental Protection has various online lesson plans to teach about different climate-related issues. Safety and sustainable transportation are directly related to these climate-related issues. The outreach of bike and walk safety can help students know the rules of the road in relation to being environmentally conscious. Another lesson to consider is about air quality and if it is safe to play outside. A resource to learn about air quality, is Why is Coco Orange?. This lesson shows how Coco the Chameleon has asthma and how it has worsened from the air quality. Even when the air looks clean, can still be unhealthy.
A fun incentive from NJ Transit is a family deal for “Take Your Kids To Work Day.” Up to two children under 18 ride free with a fare-paying adult. This can be on any bus, train, or light rail. This can help children learn how to take public transportation and the resources available from NJ Transit.
New Jersey’s requirement to teach climate change in schools empowers students so they can make positive changes in the climate crisis and understand how climate change relates to everyday life. Greater Mercer TMA is thrilled to continue visiting schools and enhancing students’ understanding of the environmental impact of transportation-related pollution. New Jersey’s leadership in advancing climate change education is a great step in the right direction for families in New Jersey!
For information about Greater Mercer TMA’s environmental education programs for K-5 students,” Clean Air Out There” and “People Powered Green Machines”, contact us here.
Sources:
https://dep.nj.gov/seeds/teachers/climate-change-education/#1691601647259-49114280-8338
https://www.airnow.gov/education/why-is-coco-orange/
https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-family-deal-take-your-kids-work-day