PRESS RELEASE: Senate Panel Advances California Seal of Climate Literacy Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento, CA — Senator Josh Becker (D–Menlo Park) today announced that SB 1048, legislation to create a California Seal of Climate Literacy, has passed the Senate Education Committee with a bipartisan vote, advancing efforts to prepare students for the challenges of a changing climate.
SB 1048 establishes a voluntary diploma distinction recognizing high school students who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience in climate education and local environmental action.
“California has long led the nation in climate action,” said Senator Becker. “SB 1048 ensures we are also leading in climate education by preparing the next generation with the knowledge and real-world experience they need to meet the challenges ahead.”
“The State Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences students need to thrive in a rapidly changing climate and economy, " said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “By combining rigorous coursework with hands-on, community-based learning, this seal empowers students to be informed leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators. As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I strongly support this effort to elevate climate education and expand pathways to green careers for California’s youth.”
"As the climate crisis worsens, our education must catch up with the harsh reality we're living in. As a California high school student, I see every day how much young people care about the climate crisis and how hungry we are for real knowledge with opportunities to apply our learning in authentic, relevant ways," said Aahaan Jain, co-lead of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action's State Advocacy team and student at Lynbrook High School. "SB 1048 addresses this gap by recognizing that students understand the climate crisis and are ready to be part of the solution. It also sends a powerful signal to future employers and colleges that we have valuable, marketable skills and experiences. We're grateful to Senator Becker for championing this bill and for empowering youth in California."
In 2024, Colorado became the first state to adopt a Seal of Climate Literacy. SB 1048 builds on that model to affirm and strengthen California’s leadership while aligning with the state’s broader climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
“Extreme heat, major wildfires, and severe flooding are reshaping the communities where California students live and learn,” said Jonathan Klein, CEO and Co-Founder of UndauntedK12. “Students need more than awareness — they need practical skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in a climate-impacted economy. The Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes students who apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic leadership to real challenges in their communities. We’re grateful to Senator Becker for championing a forward-looking approach that prepares California students for the jobs and opportunities of the future.”
The Seal responds to growing student interest in climate-related careers and equips young people to understand both the environmental and economic impacts of climate change. It integrates classroom instruction with experiential learning—ensuring students not only study climate issues, but actively engage in solutions within their communities.
"California's students and families are living through the impacts of climate change — from wildfires to flooding to extreme heat — and they deserve an education that equips them to respond,” said Heather Ippolito, president of the California State PTA. “The California State PTA supports climate and energy literacy that connects classroom learning to real-life situations and empowers students to be part of the solution in their own communities. This legislation does exactly that, and we encourage schools, families, and communities to embrace it."
Under SB 1048, participation by local educational agencies (LEAs) is voluntary. To ensure all LEAs have the ability to participate, this bill allows for the Superintendent to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide guidance and support in developing the framework.
California currently recognizes students through the State Seal of Civic Engagement and the State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Climate Literacy builds on that framework by elevating climate competency as a core educational achievement in the 21st century.
"Through our work with young people across California, we see students eager to be leaders in finding solutions to the climate crisis,” said Andra Yeghoian, Chief Innovation Officer at Ten Strands. “A Seal of Climate Literacy serves as a meaningful capstone, recognizing and expanding access to high-quality climate learning already underway. The Seal affirms that work and gives students the opportunity to apply their learning across college, careers, and community leadership."
SB 1048 is co-sponsored by Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, the California State PTA, and Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA). It is supported by a large coalition of education and environment advocates.
“Climate change will shape the future of our economy, workforce, and communities,” Becker added. “This Seal sends a clear message: climate literacy matters, and California students are ready to lead.”
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Senator Josh Becker is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Human Services. He represents the 13th Senate District covering portions of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and includes the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, Saratoga, South San Francisco, and Woodside.
April 8, 2026
CONTACT: Charlie Lawlor, (916) 201-4122
