In the past few years, climate change and its effects have become impossible to ignore.

From the Los Angeles wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes to floods in South Asia that displaced millions, communities around the world are already experiencing its impact. However, despite the growing urgency of the climate crisis, currently only six states implement meaningful climate education in schools (North American Association for Environmental Education).

As a senior at Newton North High School, I have not had the opportunity to take a climate-related course. Although there is one sustainability elective provided, it is hidden among the hundreds of other offerings and class requirements in the course catalog.

Most of what I know about climate change, renewable energy and reducing emissions is from talking to different community organizations outside of school. Students should not have to seek out this knowledge on their own. Climate literacy is becoming increasingly important as young people are preparing to enter a workforce and society that will be shaped by climate challenges.

This past year, I competed in the Massachusetts Youth Climate Solutions Challenge as part of the Newton Youth Energizers team. We focused on educating Newton residents about home emissions and ways to improve energy efficiency through home energy assessments, air sealing and heat pumps. Oftentimes, people limit climate action to composting or reducing meat consumption, but reducing home energy consumption is also a great way to cut emissions. In fact, Newton’s residential buildings account for 61% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, representing the single largest driver (City of Newton). Through news articles, community events and a school television segment, we helped 100 Newton households sign up for energy-saving programs that reduced their emissions and their energy bills.

While I am grateful for opportunities like these, climate literacy should not depend on whether a student can join a club, volunteer with a nonprofit, or participate in a competition. Passing H.560/S.391 (sponsored by Representative Mindy Domb and Senator Jason Lewis) would ensure that climate education is integrated into school curricula across the state, ensuring that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions, contribute to solutions, and address one of the defining challenges of our generation.

Cindy Qiao

The writer is a senior at Newton North High School