Schools are not only sites for learning about climate change; they can be leaders in climate solutions as well!

For instance, lowering school greenhouse gas emissions is a huge lever for change given that 25% of all emissions come from electricity production. Schools in the U.S. spend nearly $8 billion on energy annually– their second-highest cost after teacher salaries. This leads to 72 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, about the equivalent of 8 million homes. Schools have other climate impacts too- they contribute 530,000 tons of food waste a year and have a majority diesel fleet of half a million buses that pollute the air. Imagine if that $8 billion spent on energy costs could be lowered and redistributed to teacher salaries and quality educational experiences! There are many school facilities teams around the country that are innovating on the edge and making their schools green examples within their communities.

While school infrastructure is one aspect of schools as climate change solutions, student-driven climate action projects are another valuable opportunity for schools to lead in their communities. Climate change is a complex, interconnected issue that will take all of us to solve. Our individual and collective choices and actions will determine what our future looks like. By investing in intergenerational, local, and community-centered climate actions, we can help our communities adapt to local climate change impacts and become more resilient.

At the same time, we can deepen our connections to our environment and to one another, strengthening our mental and emotional health and helping educators and our students become more emotionally resilient to the changes we experience. Climate actions at the school level depend on each school’s unique context, but might include advocating for solar panels on the school roof, switching to wind credits, cafeteria composting, bike-to-school initiatives, or hosting a school-wide climate change symposium. Check out Climate Generation’s Green Careers for a Changing Climate for grades 6-8 and Experience Energy for grades 3-8 curricula for more school-based solutions!

The Green Schools Conference (GSC) is a great way to gather and learn with others who are bringing these ideas to life. This year the conference will be March 5-7, 2024, in Santa Fe, NM. This conference brings together everyone involved in creating and advocating for green schools, focusing on those leading their schools and school systems toward whole-school sustainability. Now in its 14th year, the three-day event provides a platform for the green schools community that inspires and facilitates the progress of the green schools movement.

Each year, the conference program includes a variety of educational formats that offer a deep dive into the most pressing green school topics within the areas of environmental impact, health and wellness, environmental and sustainability education, and whole-school sustainability culture. A few sessions we are excited about are: Integrating Climate Literacy Across All Subjects, Empowering Youth to Drive System Change and Lead Local Climate Action, and School District & City Partnership Empowers Youth for Climate Action.

Climate Generation is attending the Green Schools Conference. We hope to see you there!

Danielle strives to bring people together to co-create a thriving future. Growing up in South Minneapolis, a stone’s throw away from where her mother’s family was raised, Danielle was fortunate to develop a deep love for people and place throughout her childhood. Through being a naturalist and active community member she has learned the value of slowing down, paying attention, and participating in her surroundings. Having a Master’s in Teaching focused on community-centered climate solutions and formerly being a director of a graduate program in environmental education, Danielle has a passion for pedagogy and helping educators offer a promising future for their learners. Living in Finland, Minnesota surrounded by a robust community (human and natural) is inspiring. She loves spending time nesting in her home, cooking elaborate meals, connecting with fellow humans, and moving her body.

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Schools are Climate Solutions