Shiva Rajbhandari on Hope, Green New Deal for Schools and Youth Civic Action
Dec 1, 2023
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Shiva Rajbhandari, a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill and climate and education activist, discusses his journey in climate activism, including student-led efforts for climate action and the importance of involving students in educational decision making. They also explore the purpose of education and the transforming power of public schools.
Climate change education in schools needs improvement to empower students with actionable solutions.
Shiva Rajbandari's student-led campaign highlights the impact young people can make in transforming educational institutions.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change Education
Climate change education in schools has a significant impact on students' awareness and activism. Through a seventh-grade Earth Science course, Shiva Rajbandari became passionate about climate change, realizing its effects on both the environment and human lives. Examples such as coral bleaching, melting icebergs, and natural disasters like Hurricane Maria and California wildfires drove him to take action. Initially, he focused on individual actions like recycling and conserving energy, feeling overwhelmed by the crisis. However, attending a climate strike and witnessing the collective power of young activists shifted his perspective, leading him to challenge the wealthy fossil fuel industry and advocate for comprehensive climate action. Climate curriculum in schools needs improvement to empower students with actionable solutions to address the climate crisis.
Student-Led Campaign for Climate Action
Shiva Rajbandari's experience in organizing a student-led campaign for climate action sheds light on the crucial role students can play in reshaping schools. Recognizing the success of other school districts with strong climate action plans, Shiva and his peers formed the Idaho Climate Justice League. Their objective was to push for a clean energy commitment and long-term sustainability plan in their own school district. Despite facing initial resistance from the school board, they employed various strategies including petitions, postcards, protests, op-eds, media engagement, and hosting forums to amplify their voices. Through their efforts, they managed to influence the board's decision and secure a collective commitment on clean energy, marking a significant shift in the district's decision-making process. This student-led campaign exemplifies the power of community organizing and the impact young people can make in transforming educational institutions.
The Green New Deal for Schools
The Green New Deal for Schools is a critical component of addressing the climate crisis and preparing students for the future. By advocating for the incorporation of the Green New Deal into school curricula, Shiva Rajbandari aims to drive the transition to 100% clean energy and create sustainable, safe, and equitable educational environments. This $1.4 trillion bill, introduced by Congressman Jamal Bowman, focuses on transforming schools into net-zero buildings, prioritizing student health, providing free school lunches, developing climate disaster plans, and preparing students for green jobs. The Green New Deal for Schools recognizes the importance of schools as cornerstones of communities and hubs for civic engagement. It emphasizes the need for education to address the climate crisis and equip students with the skills necessary to contribute to a sustainable and just society.
This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is brought to you by our recent publication Green Pathways, and makes the case for why ALL pathways need sustainability and green embedded. Find out more here. On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast Mason Pashia is joined by Shiva Rajbhandari, a current freshman at UNC Chapel Hill and avid climate and education activist who is, to date, the first student on a school board in the state of Idaho.