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NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York Senate Bill 2430, introduced by Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-N.Y.), and endorsed by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED), would require climate change education for public school students, empowering them to identify impacts on communities and the environment while learning to evaluate solutions. However, the exclusion of funding for the bill from Governor Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2026 budget deprives NYSED of the resources needed to provide capacity, guidance, and professional development to effectively implement climate education across the state.

The Climate and Resilience Education Task Force, an intergenerational coalition of students, educators and more than 400 organizations managed by the National Wildlife Federation, called on the governor to amend her FY26 budget to include this funding request for climate education.

“The need for informing and educating the next generation of citizens of the world is vitally important in the difficult work to create a sustainable future for all – one that sees a diminished threat from the climate crisis,” said Dr. Frederick E. Kowal, president of United University Professions (UUP) and board chair-elect of the National Wildlife Federation. “The small amount of financial resources required by NYSED is a simple and limited first step. I urge the Governor to include this funding in her 30 day amendments. UUP, as a union of educators, stands with our colleagues in CRETF in this important campaign.”

The funding request in the amount of $536,500 – just 0.001 percent of the total education budget was approved by the Board of Regents and would allow NYSED to hire two dedicated staff – one to develop guidance for educators, and another to support school decarbonization projects.

“New York is a leader in the fight against climate change, and these resources will ensure that the state complies with its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for funding for climate education in schools. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to ensuring climate education is funded and prioritized in future proposals,” said Emily Fano, director of climate resilience education with the National Wildlife Federation.

Several states, including New Jersey, provide climate education for their students and training for their teachers. 

For more information about CRETF, .