Temperatures have been at a record high for the past decade with 2024 being reported as one of the highest years yet. Human activity has raised the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content by 50% in less than 200 years. With the increase of tragedies caused by climate change students and teachers are trying to bring awareness to the positive impact of learning about climate change. 

One East senior, Morgan Benavides, was shocked by reports in the news and believes it is important to educate students on Climate change. 

“Our school should do more to educate students about climate change and sustainability because it can shape the next generation’s habits and mindset,” Benavides said. 

Alexis Harlow, a science educator at East agrees with Benavides about teaching climate change in schools. 

“Including it in curriculum consistently from an early age, can encourage students to create their own sustainability expectations at home,” Harlow said. 

East currently has simple ways to help the environment like recycling bins and water fill stations for reusable water bottles but they could do more. Laura Edwards, a teacher assistant for the skills program at East, has some ideas for how to increase sustainability. 

“In previous years we did try to collect the recycling bins from the classrooms, by having teachers put their recycling bins in the hallway at the end of the day,” Edwards said. “We would go through and empty the bins during the day.” 

Some other ways East cna promote sustainability is through using easily recyclable materials, preventing waste, or simply just adding environmental education to our curriculum. Mrs. Harlow has some of her own ideas that students and staff can implement as well.

“Print only what is NEEDED, reduce or eliminate use of single use products (silverware, trays, drinks), increase recycling opportunities,” Harlow said. “Recycle easily recyclable materials such as cans and paper and reduce/limit use of cloud and AI resources.” 

East can encourage these behaviors by promoting awareness. For example using guest speakers, field trips, limiting plastic, and creating more eco-clubs as a way to increase environmental awareness.

Benavides shared her ideas on how East can teach students about climate change as well. 

“I would love to see more field trips during school to show the student’s how beautiful our earth is and why it is important to do our best to prevent our ecosystem from dying,” Benavides said.

All these ideas are a great start for East to educate great students and also teach mindful habits to save the planet we call home. 

Written by Senior Endia Bownes. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.