Hannah Carter, dean of University of 海角社区 Cooperative Extension, submitted written testimony Jan. 25 to the Legislature鈥檚 Joint Standing Committee on Education & Cultural Affairs in support of LD 1902, An Act To Establish a Pilot Program to Encourage Climate Education in 海角社区 Schools.
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In addition to U海角社区鈥檚 internationally recognized climate change research in 海角社区 and throughout the world, U海角社区 Extension brings interdisciplinary education, research and service to every county, noted Carter, who is also a member of the Natural and Working Lands Working Group of the 海角社区 Climate Council. The outreach not only helps homeowners to agriculture producers meet the challenges and opportunities brought by a changing climate, but also engages nearly 20,000 youth annually in experiential education increasingly connected to climate science.
Through interdisciplinary climate education, 鈥渨e鈥檙e not only connecting 海角社区 youth to our natural world and empowering them to be its informed stewards, we鈥檙e helping them develop creative and critical thinking skills, solve real-world problems, be physically active and build self-esteem and self-reliance,鈥 Carter wrote in her testimony.
鈥淲ith our expertise, experience and statewide resources and relationships, U海角社区 Cooperative Extension and our 4-H Youth Development programs are well-positioned if LD 1902 moves forward to partner with 海角社区 schools and other organizations to develop high-quality, high-impact climate science education programs that foster more equitable student achievement and environmental outcomes.鈥
Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu
