About Climate Action Days
As the largest public school system in the country, we can make a positive impact! That’s why New York City Public Schools has launched Climate Action Days.
On these four days, every school in New York City engages in climate action to build a better future, for our students and our planet. Like Earth Day, these are days to galvanize action, but focused on celebrating solutions and schoolwide action.
2024-25 Dates and Themes
- Tuesday, November 19: Waste
- Wednesday, February 5: Energy
- Wednesday, April 9: Health, Wellness, and Green Space
- Wednesday, May 21: Water
Energy Climate Action Day
Did you know? In New York City, energy use in buildings is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions overheat and pollute our planet. By taking simple actions like turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not using them, we can make a real impact!
There are two big ways NYC Public Schools are reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use:
- Switching to Clean, Renewable Energy: We’ve installed over 100 solar projects on school buildings, with more on the way.
Improving Efficiency: We’re upgrading lighting and mechanical systems to use less energy.
Ideas for Schoolwide Action
- Lights Out Hour – use natural light instead of overhead lighting
- Walk/Bike/Take Public Transportation to School
- Power Down Lunch Hour – no phones and laptops during lunch
- Energy Pledge – create a pledge for staff, students, and families to commit to conserving energy
- Minimize Use of Computers, Smart Boards, and other Electronics
- Student Engagement Session – join a virtual lesson/activity hosted by our office
For more resources, go to the Office of Energy & Sustainability Hub.
Training for Educators
The Office of Energy & Sustainability is hosting a virtual workshop on Wednesday, October 30 to help you plan Climate Action Days for your school. This training is open to all school-based teachers and staff, and district instructional coaches.
Register for Climate Action Days Training.
Curriculum and Activity Resources
A
team of teachers and administrators across NYC – the Climate Education
Leadership Team – has created resources to guide schools in leading Climate
Action Days.