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Preparing Climate-Ready Graduates for California’s Future
A proposed voluntary statewide high school diploma distinction recognizing climate-ready graduates and strengthening California’s education and workforce pipelines.
What is the Seal of Climate Literacy?
The California State Seal of Climate Literacy is a proposed voluntary high school diploma and transcript distinction that would recognize students who demonstrate strong climate knowledge, systems thinking, and applied problem-solving skills. Students would earn the Seal through interdisciplinary coursework and real-world, solutions-oriented projects connected to their local communities.
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A Recognized Credential
A formal distinction awarded on a student’s diploma and transcript.
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Climate Knowledge
Students demonstrate understanding of climate science, impacts, and solutions.
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Future-Ready Skills
Prepares students for college, careers, and civic leadership in a changing world.
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Leadership & Action
Students apply their learning through projects and community engagement.
The California Legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 1048 (authored by California Senator Josh Becker) to create a State Seal of Climate Literacy. The California State Senate passed the bill with unanimous, bipartisan support in May and sent it to the California State Assembly for consideration.
Why the Seal Matters in California
California students are growing up amid intensifying climate impacts—from wildfires, extreme heat, and drought, to flooding, air quality challenges, and coastal change. At the same time, California continues to lead the nation in climate policy, clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental innovation.
As the state invests billions in climate mitigation, adaptation, and workforce development, climate literacy is paramount to our State’s future. The Seal of Climate Literacy would help align California’s education system with these investments, supporting students to graduate prepared to participate in—and lead—the state’s climate-resilient future.
How You Can Help
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Educators & Schools
Elevate climate learning already happening in your classrooms and help shape a statewide approach that supports local innovation.
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Policy Leaders
Advance a voluntary, equity-centered policy that strengthens education outcomes, workforce readiness, and California’s climate leadership.
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Students & Families
Advocate for a Seal that recognizes your learning, leadership, and climate action statewide, and that elevates attention to vital preparation for adulthood.
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Industry & Employers
Support a policy that builds a climate-literate talent pipeline aligned with California’s clean economy.
This is a carousel featuring selected testimonials. Navigate using the buttons.
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California’s students and families are living through the impacts of climate change — from wildfires to flooding to extreme heat — and they deserve an education that equips them to respond. The California State PTA supports climate and energy literacy that connects classroom learning to real-life situations and empowers students to be part of the solution in their own communities. This legislation does exactly that, and we encourage schools, families, and communities to embrace it.
Heather IppolitoPresident of the California State PTA -
Extreme heat, major wildfires, and severe flooding are reshaping the communities where California students live and learn. Students need more than awareness — they need practical skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in a climate-impacted economy. The Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes students who apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic leadership to real challenges in their communities. We’re grateful to Senator Becker for championing a forward-looking approach that prepares California students for the jobs and opportunities of the future.
Jonathan KleinCEO and Co-Founder of UndauntedK12 -
I want California students to be recognized for the climate work we’re already doing. That’s why I’m asking my district to support the Seal.
AnnaStudent Advocate -
Through our work with young people across California, we see students eager to be leaders in finding solutions to the climate crisis. A Seal of Climate Literacy serves as a meaningful capstone, recognizing and expanding access to high-quality climate learning already underway. The Seal affirms that work and gives students the opportunity to apply their learning across college, careers, and community leadership.
Andra YeghoianChief Innovation Officer at Ten Strands
Resources
Assets and templates to help you advocate for the Seal.
Help Bring the Seal to California
The Seal of Climate Literacy is not yet available in California, but you can help make it a reality. Students, educators, families, and community leaders all have a role in supporting SB 1048. Connect with our California partners to learn how to get involved and add your voice in support of passage.
