The State Seal of Climate Literacy Act introduced by CA Senator Josh Becker
Every student should be prepared to lead and thrive in a climate-changed future. We are thrilled to share an exciting step toward that goal: the introduction of the State Seal of Climate Literacy Act (SB 1048) by California State Senator Josh Becker.
Co-sponsored by UndauntedK12, Ten Strands, and California State PTA, SB 1048 will establish a California Seal of Climate Literacy, a voluntary high school diploma distinction to recognize students who demonstrate climate literacy through coursework and hands-on, experiential learning in their communities. In attaining the Seal, students will gain college- and career-relevant skills and experiences to understand – and act on! – the challenges of a changing climate.
Three actions to support the State Seal of Climate Literacy Act!
Sign on to a coalition letter expressing your support for a California Seal of Climate Literacy.
Share this page with 3 people in your network who should know about SB 1048 (e.g. students, parents, teachers and staff, superintendents, legislators).
Share our posts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, X, and Facebook, and let folks know why you want California to adopt a Seal of Climate Literacy.
By adopting the Seal of Climate Literacy, California will affirm that climate literacy is essential for the safety, economic opportunity, and civic engagement of our next generation.
Colorado has successfully deployed a Seal of Climate Literacy, and school districts across the state are implementing pathways to help students obtain it. The Seal is a locally adaptable framework that combines rigorous coursework with real-world impact. To earn the distinction, students must:
Complete two approved courses in climate literacy, including one science course. Each LEA will determine the list of approved courses for its students earning the Seal and can leverage the existing open-source, state-developed curriculum Seeds to Solutions. Seal-approved courses across Colorado range from AP Biology to River Ecology to Journalism to U.S. History to the Culinary Arts to dual- and concurrent-enrollment courses like Chicken Husbandry and Fisheries and Wildlife Management.
Execute an experiential learning project – such as research and fieldwork, an internship with an industry partner, a capstone project supported by a community-based organization, or a student-led initiative – that supports an understanding of climate change and locally-relevant solutions. Example projects from Colorado include data collection on the health of the local watershed to contribute to a state water-quality monitoring program; an independent study on resilient agricultural practices to ensure the sustainability of a fourth-generation family ranch for decades to come; planting trees on school campuses and conducting research on soil health; and completing a solar panel installation internship through a local trade school.
Together, we can give our students the tools they need to navigate and solve the challenges of tomorrow. Help us make the Seal of Climate Literacy a reality in California by joining us in support today!
