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Nominate a White House Champion of Change for Climate Education and Literacy

December 11, 2014 at 4:37 PM ET by Laura Petes

Communities across the United States are working to advance understanding of climate variability and change. Local leaders are helping to increase science-based understanding and awareness of current and future climate change, enhancing climate literacy in K-12 classrooms, on college and university campuses, and in parks and museums across the country.There has been tremendous progress to date, but there is still more work to be done.

A climate-literate workforce will be required for tomorrow’s community leaders, city planners, and entrepreneurs to have the information, knowledge, and training to make sound choices and grow businesses in the context of a changing climate. That’s why on December 3, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) launched the Climate Education and Literacy Initiative, focused on connecting Americans of all ages with the best-available, science-based information about climate change. This initiative builds upon a Call to Action around climate education and literacy that received nearly 150 submissions from schools, communities, individuals, and organizations across the country.  These responses demonstrated the magnitude and diversity of efforts underway and articulated ideas for future action. 

Today, we’re asking you to help us identify and honor local leaders who are taking action to enhance understanding of climate change as Champions of Change for Climate Education and Literacy. These extraordinary leaders will be invited to the White House to celebrate their accomplishments and amplify their work to promote climate education and literacy as a critical step toward building an educated, next-generation American workforce that grasps the climate change challenge and is equipped to seek and implement solutions.

Please submit nominations by midnight on Tuesday December 23rd, 2014. Nominees may include the following types of individuals:

  • Educators who serve as leaders in promoting and integrating best-available climate science into their classrooms.
  • Outstanding students who demonstrate a high proficiency in climate knowledge and skills and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Young scientists who are advancing understanding of climate impacts and solutions.
  • Leaders from, organizations that are developing high-quality, science-based tools, resources, and other learning opportunities for students of all ages.
  • Individuals from place-based institutions (zoos, parks, aquaria, museums, etc.) that are effectively engaging visitors around climate change.
  • Business leaders taking action to enhance understanding and awareness around climate change.

Click on the link below to submit your nomination (be sure to choose Climate Education and Literacy in the "Theme of Service" field of the nomination form):

Nominate a Climate Education and Literacy Champion of Change

We are looking forward to hosting this event and to highlighting the incredible work that people across the country are doing to advance climate education and literacy.

Laura Petes is Senior Policy Advisor for Climate Adaptation and Ecosystems in the Office of Science and Technology Policy.