About The Task Force
The Climate and Resilience Education Task Force (CRETF) was founded in 2018 by National Wildlife Federation and a cohort of NGO, city, state and federal partners who wanted to collaborate to expand access to climate education in New York.
Currently co-managed by the National Wildlife Federation and WE ACT for Environmental Justice
CRETF is a welcoming, collaborative, intergenerational coalition working at the intersections of education, justice, and policy.
We strive to create an education system that is responsive to the urgency of the climate crisis and that prepares current and future generations with the skills needed to accelerate a just transition and create a sustainable future. CRETF’s Youth Steering Committee (YSC) provides New York high school students with the tools to advocate for their own climate education. The YSC emphasizes the importance of youth-led, solutions-based projects and activities that promote civic engagement.
our efforts & Achievements
Together, since 2020, the CRETF and YSC have successfully;
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Drafted a comprehensive climate education bill (with student input) that was introduced in the New York State legislature in November 2023 as S278A/A1559A.
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Advocated for the inclusion of climate education in NYC's strategic plan
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Advocated for the inclusion of climate education in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's Final Scoping Plan
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Collaborated with Subject to Climate to create a climate-focused curricular resource hub for New York State teachers
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Organized student-led roundtables, listening sessions and meetings with NYC teachers, staff from the NY State Governor’s office, Mayor’s Office, NY State Department of Education and Board of Regents
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Submitted the first climate education budget proposals to the Governor and the NY State legislature
Our mission
We’re committed to
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Advancing Environmental Justice
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Supporting Educators
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Winning Policy Reforms
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Mentoring Youth
AREAS OF FOCUS
We collectively manage a range of projects that advance climate education in New York in 3 key areas
Public Events
Working to expand conversations within the climate education space to be inclusive and welcoming
CRETF hosts meetings that are open to the public such as networking events, workshops, and speaker series. We collaborate with other organizations to create a community of practice around climate education.
Policy
Advocating for climate education policy in NYS
CRETF seeks to advance climate education policies and programs that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis.
Teacher Support
Supporting teachers and non-formal educators
CRETF compiles vetted climate education resources, hosts networking events that advance professional learning, and creates spaces for fellow climate educators to build projects together.
To receive periodic updates and invitations, join our network
Work with us
We’re always happy to welcome new members and opportunities for collaboration in the climate education space.
Whether you are looking for a team to support your next climate education event, a place to organize with like-minded climate education stakeholders, or for resources to support your climate teaching, please get in touch and one of our team members will get back to you promptly.
Member Spotlight Feature
Want to be featured in a member spotlight?
We invite CRETF members to submit a short bio, headshot, and link(s) to relevant projects for the chance to be highlighted on our website and Instagram.