The effects of guiding climate change education through a social justice lens

Abstract

Climate change is one of the largest environmental and justice issues facing our world. Many young people are listening to the science and taking action, but many more are not. This project addressed climate change through exploring consequences on society, addressing public health, and impacts on societal infrastructure and stability. The social inequality of climate impacts was highlighted throughout to better engage students. Baseline, survey data was collected before we addressed climate change. After learning about public health concerns, students took the survey again and completed a short reflection. Students finished the study, after learning about impacts on societal infrastructure by taking a third survey, completing a second reflection, and with an interview. Results varied due to inconsistent participation throughout the study. Many students demonstrated an increase in understanding of climate change, but evidence to demonstrate their depth of understanding examples of people most disproportionately affected by climate change was inconsistent. Finally, students underreported eco-anxiety in survey results compared to interview results.