On his first day in office, President Biden recommitted the United States to the Paris Agreement, an international effort to address the climate emergency. In rejoining the Paris Agreement, the United States must define and commit to delivering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions over the next five years.

As leaders across the United States embrace their role in this all-hands-on-deck, all-of-the-above moment in the climate emergency, UndauntedK12, New Buildings Institute, and the Coalition for Climate Education Policy offer “Why K-12 Should Feature in America’s National Climate Strategy.” The paper offers a national perspective on the urgent role that our K-12 sector must play in our national climate strategy. It outlines six key ways in which the K-12 sector stands to contribute including job creation, emissions reduction, success stories, equity, resilience, and learning laboratories for the next generation. In particular, we urge state and municipal climate leaders formulating clean energy and climate plans to include engagement, resources, and calls to action for K-12 superintendents and school boards.

We encourage you to review and discuss the paper as your community, district, or organization makes plans and prioritizes resources to address the climate emergency. Join the conversation on social media by searching for the hashtags: #NetZeroNow #GettingToZeroSchools, and #DriveAmbition.