Climate Justice Schools | Climate Health Education Project

Climate Justice Schools

CJS/CHEP Climate Ed Resources here

Our Initiative

CHEP is working with New Haven Climate Movement (NHCM) on the Climate Justice Schools Initiative. We are working to get the New Haven Board of Education to pass this proposal which will encourage New Haven schools to respond to the climate emergency through improved education and action. Read our proposal here.
The Climate Justice Schools pilot program is currently happening in five New Haven Public high schools as of January 2022: High School in the Community, Metropolitan Business Academy, Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, Wilbur Cross High School, and Sound School. In the 2022-2023 school year, we plan to work with the New Haven Board of Education to expand to more high schools.

For continued updates on climate education:
- Follow @chepnewhavenct (social links below) and @newhavenclimatemovement on FaceBook and Instagram.
- Join NHCM's mailing list

Help us out by:
- Signing and sharing our petition!
- Submitting a public comment for the New Haven Board of Education telling the board members that you want Climate Justice Schools!

A Climate Justice School...

Responds to the climate emergency through providing students with a well-rounded climate education and through taking action to reduce greenhouse gas production in the school's functioning.

Recognizes the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and future generations and actively works towards curbing the human cost of a changing climate while creating healthier surrounding communities.

Engages students and teachers in becoming a positive force of change in their communities and the world.

Why is climate justice important?

Marginalized communities are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Low income communities and developing countries are hit the hardest by climate change, but did the least to contribute to the problem.

Wealthy countries and corporations are profiting while making the world a more dangerous place to live

What does becoming a Climate Justice School entail?

Students and teachers will help lead efforts to create solutions to the climate crisis through project-based learning. In particular, focus will be on reducing greenhouse gases and creating healthier communities within the area (especially for those communities most in need).

Schools will implement 30 hours of climate education across subjects per grade level per year. The climate emergency is not just a science issue, but an issue that will affect all areas of life.

Schools will adopt projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as "Meatless Mondays" and encouraging "greener" transportation.

What are the Goals of a Climate Justice School?

Schools will educate students across grade levels about climate science, climate change, climate health, and climate justice, as well as the imminent threat it poses to people and landscapes. This will prepare students to handle this crisis.

Schools will set a positive example for students by educating them on the realities of climate change as well as getting them involved in taking measures to combat climate change. Schools will involve students in creating solutions through project-based learning.

CJS’s will invite students to be in leadership roles surrounding climate change and climate justice in their schools/communities.

Schools will inspire students to urge their families to take action in their own homes.

Schools will prioritize projects that have co-benefits to the environment and surrounding communities, especially low income communities.

New Haven Public Schools will be among the first to help create the next generation of climate leaders.

Get Help from Us to Become a Climate Justice School!

Use this site to facilitate climate change education by teachers in the classroom as well as student-led projects.

Get connected with climate justice projects for impacted communities in New Haven and internationally.