Students deserve equitable access to safe, supportive learning environments that offer quality education, preparing them for future success. However, the impacts of climate change compromise these opportunities, particularly for students of colour and those from low-income backgrounds. These students already face challenges like inadequate resources, non-representative curricula, and limited pathways to higher education and careers.

Historical inequities in education mirror disparities in housing, employment, transportation, and food security policies. Students from marginalised communities often reside in areas affected by pollution, climate hazards, and funding shortages for public infrastructure, including schools. These environmental factors contribute to health issues like asthma, hinder regular school attendance, and disrupt learning due to temperature fluctuations and climate-related school closures. Micro-differences in weather and temperatures have also been linked to mental health pathologies like depression and anxiety.

Black and Latino students, as well as those from low-income backgrounds, express interest in STEM courses and careers to make positive impacts in their communities and globally. As climate change intensifies, educating students about its causes, effects, and solutions becomes crucial. Providing honest climate education can empower students to take action, fostering hope rather than anxiety.

Offering career-focused, experiential learning opportunities can equip students with skills for green jobs and future employment. Schools addressing students’ climate concerns and connecting them with community-based climate solutions can enhance student well-being. Early exposure to green skills and career paths from P-12 can pave the way for sustainable careers with living wages. To promote education equity, efforts should prioritise communities most affected by climate change, ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes.