1. Will SHEA significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
Yes. Research indicates that high quality climate education can substantially reduce individual carbon footprints. A 2020 study found that students who receive climate education may lower their annual emissions by at least 2.5 tons of CO₂—comparable to the impact of adopting electric vehicles or rooftop solar.
Citation: Cordero, E.C., Centeno, D., & Todd, A.M. (2020). The role of climate change education on individual lifetime carbon emissions. PLOS ONE. Link
2. Does SHEA align with existing educational standards?
Yes. SHEA complements California Education Code Section 51227.3 and integrates seamlessly with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which already address environmental topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. These existing structures can count towards the 30-hour training requirement, avoiding duplication or added burden on schools.
3. How does SHEA align with broader climate goals?
SHEA not only supports but exceeds state, national, and international climate goals by embedding sustainability education into core curricula. It equips future generations with the tools to think critically, act responsibly, and support long-term environmental stewardship.
4. Does SHEA promote prosperity, health, and resilience?
Yes. By integrating environmental education early, SHEA empowers students to build healthier, more resilient communities. Studies show that environmental education enhances:
· Academic achievement
· Critical thinking
· Civic engagement
· Personal confidence and leadership
Citation: Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., Roth, N. W., & Holthuis, N. (2018). Environmental education and K-12 student outcomes. North American Association for Environmental Education. Link
5. How does SHEA foster innovation and capacity building?
SHEA uses a proven model: integrating recurring, skill-based training—like those used in health and safety education—into school systems. This approach:
· Builds student capacity to address environmental issues
· Encourages innovation through hands-on learning
· Creates a scalable framework for other States and nations
6. Is SHEA economically viable?
Absolutely. SHEA is designed to leverage existing resources and curricula, avoiding new expenditures. It:
· Requires no new courses or staffing
· Utilizes free resources (see below)
· Strengthens human capital by preparing students for green careers and sustainable living
It may also save public and private organizations millions by reducing future education costs around environmental literacy and behavior change.
7. What resources can schools use at no additional cost?
Schools can implement SHEA using existing, cost-free resources such as:
· United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
· The Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning.
· Ten Strands.
These organizations offer tools, curricula, and training materials aligned with SHEA objectives.
8. Does SHEA apply systems thinking?
Yes. SHEA promotes systems thinking by encouraging interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications. It helps students understand the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems—building a mindset geared toward sustainable problem-solving.
9. Who is opposing this ballot measure?
Some stakeholders prefer traditional educational models or worry about curriculum overload. SHEA addresses these concerns by:
· Integrating into existing time blocks (e.g., science or health)
· Avoiding new costs or mandates for additional classes
Demonstrating long-term academic and civic benefits backed by research
