Congratulations to the Institute’s Cronkite Climate Education Award recipients who celebrated with their students, educators, congressional leaders, and organizations to champion climate education initiatives in their states.

• Connecticut: State Representative Christine Palm 
• Hawaii: State Representative Nicole Lowen
• Massachusetts: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer
• Massachusetts: State Senator Marc Pacheco 
• New Jersey: First Lady Tammy Murphy

Congratulations Message from 

Ed Begley Jr. Earth Day’s Global Advisory Council

Connecticut Representative Christine Palm shared how Walter Cronkite inspired her to become both an environmentalist and a journalist. “To all the young people just starting out in this movement,” she said,” please don’t give up on us. Please run for office. You are leading the way now and you’re going to have to hold your lantern up just a little bit higher because too many of us are still in the dark, struggling to see what you have known all your young lives.” 

In her remarks, Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer urged youth to understand that there is a need for jobs in every sector to help fight climate change and create a new, green, sustainable economy, and praised teachers, “who are on the front line…The moment that we find ourselves in is unprecedented. Climate change is our greatest challenge, but I really believe that it also presents our greatest opportunity to build a healthier, more equitable future for us all.” 

 “I grew up watching Walter Cronkite,” Massachusetts State Senator Pacheco said. “He was one of the earliest leaders to cover and advocate for the emerging environmental movement…. He urged us all to act in this fight against climate change. The educational tools that are given to students empower them to empower our society to make a significant difference in the future of our planet and the survival of our species.” 

Cronkite Awards for Climate Education Highlights

I am honored to recognize the recipient of this years Cronkite Award for Climate Education, Representative Nicole Lowen, for her leadership to bring climate education into Hawaiʻi’s public schools. Under her mentorship, Trevor Tanaka developed the nation’s first Sustainability Resolution which was passed by the House and the Senate in just six months. 

Hawaii Governor Josh Green Special Message

Beth Carrison, Barnes & Noble’s Business Development Manager for Greater Boston announced the partnership with the Institute to bring the Stone Soup Climate Education Curriculum directly to schools.  

Beth Carrison Remarks

This event represents a model for future collaboration -- we aim to build bridges between leaders across states and institutions, to push this agenda forward. The next generation deserves the best educational tools to prepare them for their future – so together we can build a more sustainable world.

Call to Action for Climate Education

The Stone Soup Leadership Institute

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