Oregon students will soon gain a deeper understanding of how climate change affects the planet, thanks to a new law passed by the state legislature.
House Bill 3365, as reported by the National Center for Science Education, requires Oregon’s Board of Education to ensure students receive instruction on the causes and effects of climate change, as well as strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and building community resilience.
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Originally passed by the House in April, the bill was later amended by the Senate in June and quickly approved again by the House. The revised version narrows the scope slightly—climate-related topics must now be taught through the lens of science, health, history, geography, economics, and civics.
The original version had proposed integrating climate education into all subjects, including math and physical education.
With this move, Oregon joins New Jersey and Connecticut, both of which already require climate education in public schools.
Teaching students about climate change is considered a crucial step in encouraging informed action. When young people understand what causes climate change and how it impacts daily life, they’re more likely to make eco-conscious decisions—like reducing plastic use or choosing electric vehicles over gas-powered ones.
It also helps them identify the most urgent environmental issues and speak out in support of solutions.
Not everyone supports the measure. Some opponents told The Oregonian they believe climate education is too political and fear it could result in “one-sided” classroom discussions. Still, educators argue the benefits far outweigh the concerns.
Brinda Narayan-Wold, a middle school counselor, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing how it could help students manage climate-related anxiety.
“As a school counselor, I often have students in my office suffering from anxiety,” she wrote. “They are very worried, angry and feel utterly helpless about the state of the planet, the water supply, pollution, fires, ash in the air, the plight of animals going extinct and about floods and droughts.”
“This bill would allow Oregon’s publicly educated students to feel less anxious and to talk out loud in age-appropriate and scientific terms about what climate change is and what can be done about it.”
