Climate Literacy Impact
Education is essential in the fight against climate change. Climate literacy and climate solutions are not being discussed in our schools to the extent that they need to be in order to arm the next generation of leaders. SVYCA offers several engaging, fun, and easy ways to inform students about the actions they can take and how they can best engage in climate & environmental advocacy.
Thank you to our climate education initiative funders for supporting us: Peninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee.
Ethnic Studies Resources
In previous years, 9th-grade students studied geography, which provided a foundational understanding of how natural events and environmental factors influence human life. Expanding the Ethnic Studies curriculum to include climate literacy would enrich students’ comprehension of the interconnectedness between climate change and social equity. This addition would allow students to explore and understand the disproportionate effects climate change has on marginalized communities and foster a deeper appreciation for global and local resilience efforts.
General Resources
Ethnic Studies Curriculum Amendment Proposal Presentation
Resources for Educators
Equity in Climate Literacy - A Curated Playlist for Teachers
This curated playlist helps Ethnic Studies and Environmental Science teachers weave climate justice into their curriculum, spotlighting how marginalized communities are uniquely impacted by the climate crisis. Use the tabs to explore tailored content for each subject, browse General Resources for deeper learning, and check out the Interactive Tab to connect students with real-world advocacy opportunities. Designed as a living resource, this playlist encourages exploration, engagement, and collective action.
Meet the Creators
We’re Sarah Adkar and Padma Balaji—co-leads of the Tri-City (Fremont) Chapter of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action. Our work centers on making climate education inclusive and justice-focused, empowering youth to drive change where environmental and social issues intersect.
Additional Resources
Sarah Adkar
Padma Balaji
SVYCA & FUHSD Partnership
We have advocated for and assisted Fremont Union High School District to launch a climate collective, focused on ensuring a sustainable future for the district and working to weave climate literacy into all academic subjects. Learn more here.
Climate Action in a Snapshot
This short ten-minute video is an introduction into the many — and mostly individual — ways students can combat climate change.
Climate Advisory Lessons
In 2020, the youth of the SVYCA developed and produced video lessons which were shown to over 10,000 students and educators in the Fremont Union High School District. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, we have published these videos on YouTube for educators and students alike to continue learning about climate change.
Want to learn more about a specific topic?
We have an additional resources document where you can find additional information on climate concerns, solutions, jobs, and much more!