Climate & Environmental Justice

The NEA recognizes the scientific consensus that global climate change is largely caused by human activity, resulting in significant, measurable damage to the earth and its inhabitants. We believe that  humans must take immediate steps to change activities that contribute to global climate change, including developing and implementing environmentally sound practices that abate global climate change and bring justice to the communities who suffer most from its negative impacts.

Native People, Asian, Black, Latin(o/a/x), Middle Eastern and North African, Multiracial, and Pacific Islander communities, people with disabilities, and under-resourced urban and rural communities bear the greatest burdens from negative climate impacts, from greater exposure to pollution to greater vulnerability to extreme weather. Any climate actions or solutions must prioritize, elevate, and engage these communities to advance equity and environmental justice. Given their experiences with the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice, these communities have crucial insight into climate solutions and must be at the helm of climate actions, both in and out of school buildings and worksites. 

Addressing Climate Fatalism

Resources to help you take action

These resources developed by our partners at This is Planet Ed, Climate Jobs National Resource Center, and Undaunted K-12 can help you implement climate solutions in your school.

• This question guide can be a starting point for conversations about climate action in your district.
• A menu of climate solutions that can be implemented in schools, from 100% renewable energy resolutions to green school yards.
• This report can help you make the financial case for net-zero energy schools. 
• A national perspective on the role the K-12 sector must play in our national climate strategy.

Transforming our K-12 system to face the climate crisis

From air pollution to extreme weather, climate change is threatening our communities, our health, and our students’ ability to learn—that is why we must come together to build a greener future. To identify how schools can become models for climate action, NEA President Becky Pringle helped develop the Aspen Institute-led K12 Climate Action Plan. Using an equity lens, the report outlines solutions, resources, and best practices for schools, as well as policy recommendations for lawmakers at all levels. 

Read the report