This release was issued under a previous government.

Today, a representative group of student authors presented a white paper to Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips and Education Minister David Eggen. It includes recommendations in four key areas: curriculum, student learning, infrastructure and professional development for teachers.

“It is inspiring to see so many talented young people engaged in finding solutions to the climate-change crisis. It reminds politicians like us that we must all take action to combat climate change to ensure a better future for today’s youth.”

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks, Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office

“I love learning through experiencing and, because of my experiences, I feel I can contribute meaningfully to climate-change solutions. If more teachers know how to engage students with real-world examples and experiences, I feel this would have very positive consequences for our province.”

Claudia Tai, student, Career Technology Centre, Calgary

“Our schools are on the front lines of action on climate change and our young people know how important this issue is. I am impressed by the passion and hard work shown by these young environmental stewards, both in their schools, and in producing this important document. We look forward to taking their recommendations into account as we move ahead in the development of the future K-to-12 curriculum.”

David Eggen, Minister of Education

“Climate change can be intimidating and overwhelming, but we believe the antidote to despair is ACTION."

Leah Buchanan, student, Queen Elizabeth High School, Edmonton

The document Supporting Climate Leadership in Alberta Schools: Recommendations by Students for Alberta’s Educational Leaders is the result of hours of student collaboration and hard work, and calls upon the government and education stakeholders to work together to tackle climate change. The recommendations will be considered as the government looks at ways in which education can best be integrated into Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan.