Introduction
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, the need for effective education and innovative solutions has never been more critical. Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and attitudes of future generations, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges. In the United States, a select group of climate change educators stands out for their exceptional contributions to the field. These individuals are not only advancing scientific understanding but also driving policy changes and fostering sustainable practices. In this article, we highlight five leading climate change educators who are making significant impacts and are poised to influence the future of sustainability education. From pioneering research and innovative curriculum development to influential policy advocacy, these educators are at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
Michael Mastrandrea: A Visionary in Climate Risk Management and Policy
Michael Mastrandrea is a distinguished interdisciplinary scientist renowned for his work in managing climate risks and shaping energy and climate policy. As the Research Director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program and a Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Mastrandrea plays a crucial role in advancing climate initiatives. He also serves as the Director of Policy at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Accelerator and as Chief Advisor for Energy and Climate Research at the California Energy Commission. His previous positions include Director of Near Zero and Senior Research Associate at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Mastrandrea’s contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report and the U.S. National Climate Assessment underscore his influence in the field. Holding a Ph.D. and B.S. from Stanford University, he continues to impact climate change research and policy significantly.
Kim Cobb: Advancing Climate Science and Education
Kim Cobb is the Lawrence and Barbara Margolis Director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society and a Professor in Environment and Society as well as Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences. Her research, which focuses on climate extremes and coastal flooding, utilizes observations of past and present climates to predict future impacts. Before joining Brown University in 2022, Cobb led the Global Change Program at Georgia Tech and held prominent positions such as the ADVANCE Professor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has received numerous accolades, including an NSF CAREER Award, a Presidential Early Career Award, and the Hans Oeschger Medal. Elected as an AAAS Fellow in 2021, Cobb continues to influence climate science through her role on President Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board and her fellowship with the American Geophysical Union.
Victoria Carr: Pioneering Early Childhood Education for Sustainability
Victoria Carr, a Professor of Early Childhood Education and Developmental and Learning Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, is the Executive Director of the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, and Sustainability. The Arlitt Child Development Center, one of the oldest early childhood laboratory schools in the country, falls under her leadership. Carr’s work spans co-editing the journal Children, Youth and Environments and participating actively in the Transnational Dialogues on Early Childhood Education for Sustainability. She has been instrumental in initiatives like the Cincinnati Nature Playscape Initiative and the Education for Environmental Sustainability certificate at UC. With over $20M in funding for her research, Carr’s work in nature-based early learning and sustainability is transformative.
Matthew Goldberg: Influencing Climate Change Communication
Matthew Goldberg is a Research Scientist and Director of Experimental Research at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. His research, which centers on persuasion, social influence, and strategic communication, aims to enhance public understanding and motivation to address climate change. With a BA in Psychology from Hofstra University and a PhD from the Graduate Center, City University of New York, Goldberg’s work bridges psychological insights and climate change communication, making him a pivotal figure in the field.
Peter Oyewole: Innovator in Sustainability Education
Peter Oyewole is a preeminent authority in Climate Change Curriculum and Instruction, with a particular emphasis on K-12 education. As a distinguished researcher and scholar at Kent State University, Oyewole’s work focuses on climate change education research and the creation of innovative curricula designed to cultivate a climate-aware workforce and student population. Serving as the Lead Curriculum Expert on a $419,708 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant, Oyewole has been instrumental in developing educational content aimed at preparing high school teachers and students for careers in sustainable aviation. His initiatives particularly emphasize drone technology, sustainability, and outreach to underrepresented populations. His participation in conferences, intellectual discourse and research has significantly shaped policies related to climate change education. By presenting his findings and advocating for policy changes at various national and international forums, Oyewole has helped to advance best practices in climate education. His work at the intersection of Climate Change Education, Science, and Technology is pivotal in reducing the carbon footprint of industrialization. Committed to accountability and driven by innovation, Oyewole’s approach to sustainability education has established him as the leading thought leader in climate change. His efforts are not only educating the next generation but also influencing policymakers and stakeholders to adopt more sustainable practices, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious society.
These five educators are at the forefront of climate change education, each contributing uniquely to the field. Their work not only advances scientific understanding but also inspires and equips the next generation to tackle the climate crisis head-on.