New Jersey Curriculum To Feature Climate Change Education

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to make climate change education a part of public school learning standards. First Lady Tammy Murphy announced today that the New Jersey State Board of Education has adopted the initiative, and will apply the standards to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, the outline which serves as the state curriculum directive.

In a statement, Murphy said the initiative is as much a symbol of the state’s dedication to future generations as it is expanding education initiatives.

“The adoption of these standards is much more than an added educational requirement; it is a symbol of a partnership between generations,” said Murphy.

“Decades of short-sighted decision-making has fueled this crisis and now we must do all we can to help our children solve it. This generation of students will feel the effects of climate change more than any other, and it is critical that every student is provided an opportunity to study and understand the climate crisis through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary lens.”

According to a news release from the governor’s office, climate change education will be incorporated across seven content areas, including 21st Century Life and Careers, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages.
Climate change standards have also been added to the appendices of the math and English language arts guidelines, according to the release, which are up for review in 2022.

This won't be completely new to all New Jersey public schools, as some have begun implementing climate change education and sustainability initiatives through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program, an initiative started in 2008 which encourages districts to institute more green activities and programs.

Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement that a “top priority” of his administration is to reestablish the state as a leader in the action and discourse surrounding climate change. This, he believes, is a step in the right direction.

“The adoption of these standards across our K-12 schools is an important step forward that will strengthen the future of New Jersey’s green energy economy,” he said.

Murphy unveiled an “Energy Master Plan” in January, making New Jersey the first state in the country to pursue an overhaul of the state’s climate change regulations, which includes phasing out natural gas.

The master plan, particularly the idea of phasing out natural gas, was met with criticism from Republican lawmakers who said it would drive up the cost of gas and electric bills.

Perhaps as expected, no such resistance has been heard from the environmental community and Murphy’s fellow democratic lawmakers regarding the new climate change education standards.

“This initiative is vitally important to our students as they are the leaders of tomorrow, and we will depend on their leadership and knowledge to combat this crisis,” said former Vice President Al Gore. “We will need leaders who are not only well educated about the effects of climate change, but leaders who can craft the solutions for climate change and implement those solutions.”

Though Murphy’s Energy Master Plan doesn’t directly address education, Amy Goldsmith, New Jersey State Director of Clean Water Action, thinks addressing climate change through schooling will be a helpful step toward preparing future generations for what they’re likely to encounter.

“As a mother of two college students, we have no time to waste when it comes to educating young people and inspiring them to help create a more just and sustainable future for all in this climate changing world,” said Goldsmith. “What better place to start than at the beginning of a child's education.”

The new education standards were also backed by New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet.

“One of the goals of our learning standards is to ensure New Jersey students are prepared to think critically, analyze data, and work collaboratively,” said Repollet. “These skills will be more important than ever as today’s young minds learn how to address the issue of climate change.”