Policy Toolkit
Climate Action
Resources that support school board members to lead on climate mitigation, adaptation, education, and equity within their districts.
This policy was developed in partnership with UndauntedK12 and This is Planet Ed.
Climate Action in Dallas, Texas
In 2020, the Dallas area was one of the most polluted metropolitan regions in the country, according to the American Lung Association. Air quality was a particular concern, especially in the city’s disenfranchised communities, where data suggested high rates of childhood asthma. And, these issues were only projected to worsen in the face of climate change. Recognizing the need to take action, a group of Dallas students garnered petition signatures and encouraged the Dallas school board to play a greater role in addressing climate change and other environmental threats.
Research, Data, Evidence
Climate Mitigation in Schools
Efforts to decarbonize schools can improve student health and create opportunities for the 50 million students enrolled in schools to engage with climate solutions first-hand, helping to build our societal capacity to address climate change now and into the future. Schools have a substantial carbon footprint, which contributes to climate change. Efforts to decarbonize schools can improve student health and create opportunities for the 50 million students enrolled in schools to engage with climate solutions first-hand, helping to build our societal capacity to address climate change now and into the future. Read MoreAdaptation and Building Resilience
School districts that plan ahead for extreme weather will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and can better support students and families. School districts that plan ahead for extreme weather by identifying local climate risks, creating plans for disruptions to learning, supporting the mental health of students transitioning to green schools yards, and serving as sources of energy and food during disaster will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and can better support students and families. Read MoreClimate Education in Schools
Teaching and learning about climate change, its causes, consequences, and solutions can help empower children and youth to lead a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. School boards can help teachers engage students in teaching and learning about climate change, climate solutions, and sustainability across all grades and subject areas. Read MoreAdvancing Equity in Driving Climate Solutions
Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as low-income urban and rural students disproportionately feel the negative consequences of climate change – and these same communities are most impacted by existing education inequities. Read More
Toolkit Partner
This toolkit was created in partnership with This is Planet Ed and UndauntedK12
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