The United States is grappling with two significant challenges: falling educational performance and severe climate impacts. Student achievement has declined sharply, hitting a record low, and many students still struggle with chronic absenteeism post-pandemic. Strengthening our education system is vital—not just for individual success, but for the nation’s economic future and innovation.
At the same time, climate change is wreaking havoc across the country. In 2023 alone, we faced a staggering number of billion-dollar weather disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires. Heat waves resulted in increased emergency room visits, along with soaring utility bills. Smoke from wildfires has drifted hundreds of miles, affecting air quality in major cities. Droughts in the Southwest are imposing water restrictions, while sunny-day flooding is becoming common in coastal areas.
Though it may seem like educational issues and climate change are unrelated, recent research suggests otherwise. Schools are increasingly impacted by climate change, affecting everything from attendance to the structural integrity of school buildings. More than a quarter of schools are now in areas at high risk for environmental hazards, leading to significant disruptions in education.
In the 2024-2025 school year alone, around nine million students faced closures or disruptions due to extreme weather. For instance, Hurricane Helene kept 76,000 students out of class for over a month in North Carolina. Wildfires destroyed multiple schools in Los Angeles, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. The lack of air conditioning in many schools has forced closures during heat waves, putting students’ health at risk.
To combat these challenges, schools can play a central role in developing climate resilience. By investing in energy-efficient upgrades and building sturdy infrastructure, schools can lessen their vulnerability and operation costs. These improvements can also serve local communities, especially since schools often function as emergency shelters.
However, funding these necessary upgrades remains a challenge, as most school districts rely on local taxes, leading to disparities in school facilities across different areas. Targeted state and federal support could help address these inequities.
Schools also have a unique chance to prepare students for a changing job market. Despite concerns about political discussions around climate, many support teaching climate science. Surveys show a significant majority of parents want more climate education. Yet currently, U.S. students lag behind their peers in understanding environmental science. Many don’t receive enough instruction on climate change during their school years.
States and school districts can lead climate education initiatives. Various districts across the country are developing climate action plans and integrating environmental education into their curricula. California, Connecticut, and New Jersey are making strides in aligning state education standards with climate education and providing teacher resources.
As climate challenges continue, education reform and climate solutions must go hand in hand. Enhancing our education system is not only about improving academic performance; it’s also about fostering a healthier planet. By uniting these efforts, we can create opportunities for students and communities alike.
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Cities & Communities,Climate & Energy,Climate Adaptation & Resilience,Climate Change,Climate Disasters & Environment,Early Childhood Education,Education,Education Access & Equity,Education Policy,Infrastructure,K-12 Education,U.S. Government & Politics,Brown Center Chalkboard,Brown Center on Education Policy,Governance Studies,North America,U.S. States and Territories,Research,Article
