Debating Climate Crisis with Scholars and Academics

At the recent Northeast Regional Leadership Summit in New Jersey, Edward Cohen, assistant director for Rutgers University's Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education, received the Best Example of Professional Development in Higher Education award.

Cohen's recognition is well-deserved, as he has been instrumental in incorporating climate change education into the university's curriculum and professional development program. His efforts extend beyond Rutgers, as he was also involved in the development of a professional development program at the University of Victoria, for which he received the prestigious "Order of Canada" for his work.

Recognising the urgency and importance of climate change, Cohen encourages students and educators to approach the issue with a three-fold focus: individual, community, and national. This approach is reflected in his work with high school students who decided to make a difference by choosing a car with less greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing the emotional aspects of climate change discussions is also crucial, according to Cohen. He brings in social workers to provide necessary resources and creates a safe environment for educators to raise concerns and ask questions.

New Jersey, known for having the strongest climate change standards in the U.S., was the first state to introduce climate-change education into all of its K-12 curricula. The state's approach to climate change education is interdisciplinary and problem-based, offering opportunities for students to explore real-world issues, such as the annual water level rises in the Garden State and the difference in annual sea level rise between New Jersey and neighbouring New York.

Researchers and educators at Rutgers are using driving questions to teach climate change, a method that fosters critical thinking and engagement. A recent driving question, for instance, concerns the difference in annual sea level rise between New Jersey and New York.

Moreover, Cohen collaborates with K-12 teachers and university faculty to devise best practices for teaching climate change at both levels. The use of a climate change data tool offers new learning opportunities, allowing students and educators to analyse and interpret data related to climate change.

Recent collaborations have seen teams exploring data analysis about historic redlining and climate disparities, shedding light on the social and environmental impacts of climate change. Studies show that climate change is important to students, as they are the ones inheriting a world affected by it.

In conclusion, Edward Cohen's dedication to climate change education and his innovative approaches to teaching and learning have made a significant impact in New Jersey and beyond. His work serves as a model for other educational institutions seeking to address climate change in their curricula.