Over the past year, students have become more vocal and organized about their opposition to current policies and the lack of action on climate change. Globally, millions of people have taken to the streets to urge fellow citizens and lawmakers to protect the future that students will inherit.

As educators, we have a responsibility to equip students with problem-solving and solution-driven skills that will allow them to channel their passion into the change they want to see in the world. The Energy Coalition (TEC) aims to support educators in preparing the next generation of sustainability advocates through their Climate Leaders in Action (CLiA) curriculum.

The Energy Coalition is a California-based social change organization that helps create an abundant and healthy world by inspiring others to become energy master planners of our sustainable future. CLiA is the Energy Coalition’s comprehensive, standards-based education and career pathway program for empowering students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage energy and water usage in their homes, schools and communities.

The Energy Coalition joined the Learning Lab Partner Network this year, and its Climate Leaders in Action lessons are now available as part of the Learning Lab annual subscription. The curriculum currently available contains 12 lessons for grades 9–12 covering climate change, energy, water and waste. Additional lessons will be added to the Learning Lab platform throughout the year.

Tinuviel Carlson, project coordinator for TEC, shares her thoughts on why this curriculum is so important to preparing future climate leaders: