My name is Katya, and I’m a high school student in Texas. With the ongoing threat in my state to remove climate education from our textbooks, I’ve become worried about the absence of these vital curriculums. This is incredibly concerning because understanding climate change is crucial for students like me.

While staying in California, my family experienced the devastating wildfire season of 2020, which set new records for the largest area burned, with over 4 million acres affected. Impacted by air pollution and poor air quality due to ash-filled skies, it became very important for me to understand the connection between increased heat-intensified conditions in California and climate change.

Keeping climate education in our schools has numerous benefits. It empowers young people to engage with science and environmental issues, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Educated students are more likely to develop innovative solutions to protect our planet.

Removing climate education denies us the opportunity to learn about one of the most pressing issues of our time. I urge policymakers to ensure that climate education remains a part of our curriculum. Educating young people about climate change is an investment in a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

This issue is too important to ignore. Our future depends on the actions we take today. Please help us keep climate education in Texas schools