March 2016
How to Decarbonize our Economy
Eyes glazing over? No need.
Just ask one of our students!

CELF's executive director, Katie Isaak Ginsberg, was honored to be a co-presenter at a recent private event alongside Aniket Shah, Program Leader of Financing for Sustainable Development with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Shah addressed the 2015 landmark Paris Climate Agreement and the worldwide challenge ahead: for the first time, all countries recognize the need to limit global greenhouse gas emissions and the need to fully decarbonize their economies by the end of this century. He agreed with Ginsberg that it is not going to be solved by a group of "experts".

 It is up to all of us to make it happen.  And education is the key.

Clearly today's students need to be prepared for a different world, and that preparation begins during the formative years of K-12 schooling. It starts with deep understanding of interconnected systems on a global scale. 
TEACHERS: WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ADOPT A SYSTEMS APPROACH


Try these classroom activities:
Web of Life
Avalanche
Real life is complex. Both natural and human systems function within a network of complex relationships and are marked by interdependencies, dynamic equilibrium, limits and long-term effects. 
We see it on the playground, at home, in the forest, at the store, and in our local and national governments. Learning to view the critical issues of society and daily life through the lens of systems thinking and sustainability can be one of the most empowering skills we teach students today. 
What are the interdependent parts involved? How does a system behave over time?  What are the factors that drive change in this system? Where are the opportunities for greater sustainability?
TEACHERS: HOW CAN CELF'S APPROACH WORK IN YOUR SCHOOL? 
Education for Sustainability with CELF
Watch Video: Education for Sustainability with CELF

STUDENTS: JOIN OUR AMBASSADOR TRAINING SEMINAR: GRADES 8-12

CELF Student Ambassadors become peer leaders in sustainability and are trained to exhibit at community and regional events like Green Festival NYC on April 16-17.

Join us for a student-led discussion and training in Sustainability. Learn about current topics including Designs to Save the World, all you need to know about our local fresh water supply, global fresh water issues and the CELF's LifeStraw "100 Schools" Campaign.
This event is hosted by Hackley Earth Action League (HEAL) and is FREE and open to all area students in grades 8-12. 

Wednesday, March 16th 
6:30-8:30pm -- PIZZA and drinks included
293 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, NY

RE-ENERGIZE YOUR PASSION FOR TEACHING THIS SUMMER

CELF SUMMER INSTITUTE@Manhattanville College
Join us for our transformative K-12 professional development learning experience in Education for Sustainability. Our flagship program returns to Manhattanville College for the 11th summer. Our widely respected facilitators will be joined, once again, by dynamic industry leaders who will provide thought-provoking insight, engaging activities and extensive resources to help you and your school incorporate the big ideas of sustainability into the curriculum. July 18-20/21 in Purchase, NY. Learn More
 


New York City becomes a living laboratory for teachers in Grades 5-12. 
"CELF was extremely attentive to our individual school's needs, realizing that we all have different backgrounds."
- PS 110 Principal Anna Cano Amato, participant at CELF's Greenpoint Summer Institute 

SUMMER IN THE CITY: CITIZEN SCIENCE & SOCIAL JUSTICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Connecting hard science and public policy, CELF is partnering with Mt. Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit and CUNY School of Law's Center for Urban Environmental Renewal to provide three powerhouse days of professional development for teachers in grades 5-12, with breakouts by level. Connect with industry-leading science research professionals, learn to use New York City to a make authentic place-based connections and come away with citizen science opportunities for your students. July 12-14 in Manhattan and Long Island City, NY. P-credits will be available for NYC DoE teachers, pending approval.  Learn More


SEE US AT THE GREEN SCHOOLS CONFERENCE: March 31-April 1, Pittsburgh, PA

CELF Director of Education, Alan Cass, and CELF Project Facilitator, Aimee Arandia  Østensen, 
CELF's mission is to make Education for Sustainability (EfS) an integral part of every school's curricula and culture - from kindergarten through high school - to prepare current and future students to be active and responsible citizens of a sustainable world.