(F02) Catalysts for Broad Scale Decarbonization: How Schools Can Transform the Climate Movement

As the signs of climate change begin to take hold, it is clear that it is past time for us to transition to zero carbon emissions across the globe. And yet, we still are falling short. What can we do to more rapidly transition toward decarbonization? This panel session will explore how advocacy groups, government funding, and districts are working together to make big steps in the K12 sector, and how schools can become the catalyst for the broader climate movement. From an advocacy perspective, this session will begin by setting the stage for why schools are an important part of the climate movement, and provide examples of how schools are leading the way at the state and county level across the country. These examples can then become inspiration for other states and jurisdictions. Participants will come away with an understanding of what they can do individually to support such efforts. From a financial perspective, this session will review various government funding and grant programs that are currently available, and provide guidance on both their purpose and how best to utilize them. In particular, the session will highlight new opportunities available through the Inflation Reduction Act. With a focus on ensuring that decarbonization reaches all, these financial incentives help to level the playing field around first costs for districts and projects trying to go above and beyond business as usual. Finally, this panel will conclude with an assessment of how school districts are approaching broad-scale decarbonization, and identify implementable strategies that can be used across the country to replicate this successfully.