K-12 Climate Change Education

Governor Murphy has committed to putting New Jersey on a path to 100% clean energy use by 2035.

In the face of the looming climate crisis, First Lady Tammy Murphy launched an initiative to incorporate climate change education across our K-12 learning standards, including all content areas and starting in elementary school. The reality of climate change is going to transform the lives of our children in ways that we cannot even imagine, and as New Jersey transitions to a green economy, we are going to need not just climate change literate scientists – we will need climate literacy in our civic leaders, policy makers, urban planners, journalists, artists, activists, teachers and more.

With the changes to the learning standards, New Jersey became the first state to ensure students are prepared across multiple content areas starting in elementary school for the climate reality that awaits them as adults, and will continue our state’s public education legacy of academic excellence and job preparation.

New Jersey Climate Change Education Resources

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) are designed to prepare students to understand how and why climate change happens, the impact it has on our local and global communities and to act in informed and sustainable ways.

The Department of Education has launched the NJ Climate Change Education Resources page, designed to foster an interdisciplinary approach to climate change education that is evidence-based, action-oriented and inclusive.

Check out the resources page to find instructional resources, guidance documents, community engagement and partnerships, and more.

Climate Change Education Unit

Following the incorporation of climate change within the NJSLS, New Jersey established the first-in-the-nation Climate Change Education Unit within the Division of Teaching and Learning Services. The unit supports New Jersey’s schools in building climate literacy for all students as they implement the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Through collaboration with educators and additional stakeholders across the state, this team will leverage feedback and insights to inform professional development opportunities, technical assistance, as well as guidance and resources to facilitate high-quality and innovative learning opportunities for all students.