Dear NYC Council Members,

We are New Yorkers who have lived through Superstorm Sandy. We have witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change. We also represent many countries around the world that are seeing the devastating effects of changes in our climate. We believe that students, as our future, need to learn about climate change.

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our lifetimes, yet students are not aware about its urgency. Students do not learn about the causes of climate change and potential solutions. Students do not learn that human use of fossil fuels is the main cause of the increase in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide responsible for climate change. Students do not learn about the large-scale changes needed to protect our future on this planet and that, now, more than ever, we need local and global solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The NYC school system has a moral responsibility to teach students about climate change. Superstorm Sandy was a wake up call for us New Yorkers, showing us that we are vulnerable especially due to rising sea levels. Some of the most exposed communities are low-income, communities of color; we believe climate change is also about social justice.

Global Kids’ Human Rights Activist Project (HRAP) is asking NYC Council Members to pass Climate Education Resolution 0375-2014. Just like HIV and AIDS education became required learning for all students to protect themselves, we believe that climate education is vital for us to protect ourselves and our planet.

Passing Resolution 0375-2014 is an important and necessary step to mandating climate education in all New York City, as well as New York State, schools.