CLIMATE-SMART AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS

WHEREAS, 2023 was the warmest year in North America on record, with record highs in 10 out of the 12 months; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, there was significantly below-average annual precipitation across portions of the Northwest, Southwest, Ohio Valley, Gulf Coast and East Coast of the United States, and above-average precipitation across much of the Northeast United States and from California to the central Plains; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, and since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas; and

WHEREAS, the term “climate change” is no longer considered to accurately reflect the seriousness of the overall situation—climate emergency or climate crisis are terms that better describe the current state of our climate; and

WHEREAS, at the Davos World Economic Forum in 2024, it was stated that “urgency is our only savior” when talking about the climate crisis; and

WHEREAS, New York state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction by 2050; and

WHEREAS, education gives people the knowledge and tools they need to adapt to the impacts of climate change and the risks it poses to lives, livelihoods and well-being, and education can also be a powerful driver for more sustainable development, including a transition to greener societies; and

WHEREAS, schools and educators play an essential role by engaging students in credible, science-based, hands-on, relevant learning about climate change and preparing our students for robust job opportunities in green technologies, construction and restoration efforts; and

WHEREAS, schools are living laboratories of learning and educators can play a leadership role in modeling climate and environmentally friendly practices such as building design, energy use, land use that is green and pollinator friendly, water conservation, waste disposal, and composting and recycling; and

WHEREAS, our response to climate change may provide us with opportunities to save money, build energy-independent and fiscally stable school districts with resilient infrastructure, and ensure safe and healthy school environments:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will examine Climate Smart Communities and other sustainable schools across the country that integrate the curriculum to facilitate comprehensive energy reduction, decarbonization, sustainability and indoor air quality projects; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will call for programs that provide grants and funding, technical assistance, expert advisers and consultants; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will work to educate its local affiliates and state federations and provide training on collective bargaining for sustainable schools.

Adopted May 28, 2025