NJDEP Launches Online Climate Education Library for K-5 Teachers

New resource center offers guidance to integrate climate change lessons into all subjects, supporting New Jersey’s broader environmental education goals.

TRENTON, NJ – In celebration of Earth Week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced the launch of a new online library aimed at helping K-5 educators integrate climate change concepts into everyday classroom lessons. Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette unveiled the resource on April 24, highlighting the state’s commitment to empowering young learners with knowledge and solutions to address climate challenges.

“Our educators are shaping the minds of the next generation of strategic, innovative leaders who will drive the green economy forward,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “This online library is a vital tool to support our nation-leading teachers as they bring climate change education into their classrooms in inspiring and exciting ways. I’ve had the extraordinary pleasure of visiting K-12 classrooms across our state to see some of these incredible lessons in action, and I look forward to witnessing the creative and thoughtful ways this library will help prepare our students to understand and tackle the impacts of climate change.”

The library, developed by the NJDEP’s Office of Environmental Education, features curated materials from environmental nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions. These resources are designed to help teachers incorporate climate change topics into existing curricula across a wide range of subjects, including math, language arts, social studies, science, art, and physical education. The effort aligns with the 2025 Earth Week theme, Our Power, Our Planet.

Aimed particularly at the elementary level—where climate education resources have been historically scarce—the library offers hundreds of lesson plans and activities searchable by specific unit or study topic. Resources for students in grades K-2 focus on building a relationship with nature and nurturing care for the environment, while materials for grades 3-5 encourage critical thinking about human impacts and positive environmental action.

The NJDEP emphasized that the library will be continuously updated to incorporate the latest climate science and additional no-cost teaching resources. The New Jersey Department of Education is collaborating on the project to ensure alignment with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and to integrate the best available state-specific scientific knowledge.

“It is imperative that New Jersey educate today’s children about climate science, because they will one day be the leaders of our state and our country, and on the front lines of working toward solutions to a changing climate,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “The materials in this new library will teach our youngest residents about the positive contributions they can make to protect our environment for future generations, while preparing them to become environmental stewards as adults.”

The initiative also responds to growing concerns about climate anxiety among young people. Research, including a 2022 Youth Climate Survey by Blue Shield of California, shows that exposure to solutions-focused climate education can mitigate stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness associated with climate change news.

The library’s materials promote active learning through diverse options, ranging from short educational videos to extended multi-week service projects. Lessons are designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to tailor content to the specific needs and goals of their students. Resources highlight New Jersey-specific examples, such as using recycled Christmas trees to prevent dune erosion, addressing the impact of spotted lanternflies, and studying the effects of severe storms on local communities.

“Empowering our youngest learners with climate education is essential to preparing them for the future,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “This online library provides K-5 educators with the tools to seamlessly integrate climate literacy into everyday lessons, helping students understand both the challenges and solutions to a changing environment.”

This initiative builds upon New Jersey’s broader climate education efforts, including the integration of climate change into the state's Student Learning Standards and the establishment of the Climate Change Education Unit within the Department of Education.

Educators can access the new library and an instructional video on how to best navigate and utilize its resources at nj.gov/education/climate/index.shtml.