“Education shapes individuals, and individuals shape education,” is the idea driving hundreds of
young people to advocate for interdisciplinary climate education in their schools. Climate
change, the defining issue of the 21st century, is slipping through the cracks of Massachusetts’
top-tier education system and leaving youth ill-prepared for the future.
As stronger storms flood coastal communities and rising temperatures cause public health
concerns, it is clear that climate change is affecting every aspect of our society. That is why the
Interdisciplinary Climate Education Bill (H.560/S.391) is both necessary and overdue. Schools
should prepare students not only to understand climate science, but also to recognize how
climate change connects to economics, politics, art, technology, and social justice.
What makes this bill special is that the very students that would receive its benefits are the ones
calling for action. This February, I marched to the State House with hundreds of other students
as part of the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition to demand that our legislators pass this
bill. My generation inherits the burden of decades of environmental consequences and neglect;
it should be our right to be educated and prepared for the world we are now responsible for
sustaining.
Critics may argue that schools are already overloaded with requirements. However,
interdisciplinary learning does not require adding new courses. Instead, it encourages and trains
teachers to integrate climate-related themes into existing lessons. This makes education more
relevant and engaging while preparing students for the challenges they will face as citizens and
future workers.
Currently, the Interdisciplinary Climate Education Bill (H.560/S.391) is stuck in the House and
Senate Ways and Means Committee. On behalf of today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders, we
urge you to support this bill and ask your legislators to as well!
Viella Alkan
Viella Alkan is a sophomore at Newton South High School and a member of the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition and Newton South Sustainability Squad.