NY Sun Works Advocates for Climate Education and Urban Agriculture in NYC Schools

Key Takeaways

1. NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora emphasized the need for climate education and urban agriculture in public schools during the opening of Climate Week NYC.
2. The organization aims to provide every NYC public school student access to climate science education through urban farming.
3. NY Sun Works reaches over 120,000 students in 300 public schools across New York City through hydroponic classrooms.
4. The climate crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities, making education crucial for social justice.
5. Zamora believes investing in youth education today can create a more equitable and sustainable world tomorrow.

On the opening day of Climate Week NYC, Manuela Zamora, the Executive Director of NY Sun Works, issued a statement highlighting the critical role of climate education and urban agriculture in public schools. The statement comes as environmentalists, educators, and leaders worldwide gather in New York City to discuss solutions to the climate crisis.

Read more here Integrating Education & CEA; The Story of NY Sun Works

The Importance of Climate Education

Zamora stressed the urgency of expanding sustainability science and climate education to empower a new generation of New Yorkers. “The climate crisis impacts our environment, health, food production, and infrastructure,” she said. She also pointed out that the crisis disproportionately affects Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of color, and migrant communities in the US and globally.

NY Sun Works’ Mission

NY Sun Works is committed to ensuring every public school student in New York City can access climate science education through urban farming. The organization currently reaches over 120,000 students at 300 public schools across the five boroughs through hydroponic classrooms. “The expansion of urban agriculture programs in schools must be part of our planning to solve global climate change,” Zamora added.

Investing in the Youth

Zamora believes that by investing in the education of young people today, society can equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to tackle climate and environmental justice challenges. “By handing them the tools and knowledge to tackle climate and environmental justice challenges, we can create a more equitable and sustainable world tomorrow,” she said.

Image provided by NY Sun Works