Why Environmental Literacy?

Everyone and everything is linked to the environment. From the air, water and food that sustain our bodies, to the countless technologies that aid our survival, we rely on the healthy functioning of natural systems to sustain us.

In order to tackle complex environmental issues like climate change and drought, K-12 students in California must have access to high-quality learning experiences that build environmental literacy. Environmentally literate students are able to examine real-world issues, think critically about the relationship between humans and natural systems, and make informed decisions about the challenges affecting our world.

Integrating the environment into classroom instruction also provides a natural and authentic point of engagement for student learning. No matter where we live, each of us has a relationship with the environment, and teachers can tap into this deeply personal learning pathway as part of a high-quality course of instruction. Using this approach produces excited, motivated, and self-directed learners, who are more inclined to take on leadership roles, and, are better prepared for academic and career success.

Let’s work together to provide all California students access to high-quality instruction that supports environmental literacy and ensures a bright future for California and our planet.