The Obama Administration has announced an initiative to further educate today’s students about global warming by offering educators resources for teaching about climate change. 

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced “a new initiative aimed at climate education and literacy that will distribute science-based information – in line with the administration's position on the issue – to students, teachers and the broader public,” said an article on USNews.com.

"If you believe, like I do, that something has to be done on this, then you're going to have to speak out," Obama said in June at the University of California–Irvine commencement ceremony. "You've got to educate your classmates, and colleagues, and family members and fellow citizens, and tell them what's at stake.”

Educators, government officials, philanthropic leaders and those from the private sector, the article said, “will participate in a roundtable discussion at the White House Wednesday.”

“The participants will focus on how to spread more resources to teachers and increase professional development and training related to climate change for educators, federal employees and informal educators, such as those working in national parks, museums, aquariums or botanic gardens,” the article said.

Many states are transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards, and “opposition to issues such as climate change and evolution has resurfaced with a new intensity,” the article said.

“At least 12 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the standards, which place an increased emphasis on the controversial topics and were developed by a group of national science and education organizations – including one also involved in developing the Common Core State Standards,” according to the article.

According to a White House fact sheet, "under President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, important steps have already been taken to cut carbon pollution, prepare for the impacts of climate change and lead international efforts to fight this global challenge. Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate change challenge and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and training to seek and implement solutions."

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Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor