A Flexible, High-Impact Policy for Education, Workforce, and Climate Readiness
Policy for TOMORROW’S Education and Workforce Needs
The Seal of Climate Literacy is a practical, future-focused policy tool that helps states advance multiple priorities at once—strengthening education outcomes, preparing a skilled workforce, and supporting climate and economic resilience. Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems, the Seal recognizes student achievement without creating new mandates or administrative burdens.
For state leaders, the Seal delivers clear, measurable benefits:
Education AlignmentBuilds on existing courses, career-technical pathways, and graduation requirements.
Student EngagementTurns climate concern into meaningful, real-world learning and community action.
Climate ReadinessPrepares students to lead, innovate, and adapt in a changing climate and economy.
Workforce PreparationSignals college and career readiness, especially for high-demand green sectors.
Local FlexibilityAllows states and districts to tailor implementation to local needs—no mandates.
Systemic MomentumAligns policy, education, and community efforts around shared climate and economic goals.
Why Policy?
DESIGNED FOR EASY ADOPTION
The Seal of Climate Literacy is a flexible model policy designed to integrate smoothly into existing education systems. States may adopt the Seal through legislation, their Department of Education, or their State Board of Education—allowing for multiple pathways that reflect local governance structures.
At its core, the model is:
Voluntary: Participation is optional and determined by local school districts or Local Education Providers (LEPs).
Low-Cost: Built on existing courses, graduation requirements, and administrative processes—no new mandates or significant funding required.
Non-Partisan: Grounded in workforce readiness, economic resilience, and student leadership—not political ideologies.
Tailorable: Adaptable to state and local priorities while remaining aligned with a shared national framework.
While local control, LEP autonomy, hands-on learning, and equity are central to Colorado’s model, the Seal of Climate Literacy is not one-size-fits-all. States can adapt the policy to reflect their unique educational systems, community values, and student needs—while keeping young people at the center.
A FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK FOR EVERY STATE
EXAMPLES FROM ACTIVE STATES
Championed by students, educators, district leaders, nonprofits, and policymakers across the state, the Seal of Climate Literacy was introduced as legislation sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and Representative Barbara McLachlan and signed into law in 2024. In its first year, the Seal was implemented in over 14 Local Education Providers and awarded to more than 420 students, with one in three participating districts located in rural communities. Colorado’s approach demonstrates that the Seal can succeed in both urban and rural contexts, highlighting student leadership and climate action statewide.
Maine is the second state in the country to establish policy for the Seal of Climate Literacy. The Seal was introduced through the Maine Department of Education in partnership with the Maine Environmental Education Alliance. Maine is piloting the Seal during spring 2026 and the 2026–2027 school year. The program is being implemented through regulation via the Department of Education’s Office of Innovation, with support from the Maine Environmental Education Alliance. Students, educators, and community leaders across the state are actively involved, ensuring the Seal reflects local needs while aligning with the broader national framework.
The Hawaiʻi State Seal of Climate Literacy has been introduced as HB1925 by Representative Perruso in January 2026. The bill has been identified as one of the top five priorities for the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus, and has strong support from youth involved in the Climate Future Forum and Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission. It has passed through the House Finance Committee with unanimous support.
“This is exactly what we need in Colorado and around the nation.
We’ve kind of left a mess for the next generation, and there is a lot of work to do. And I think that’s what’s so exciting -- you have young people enthused about understanding the issue and then shaping their careers and their work around addressing climate change and understanding the importance of it from a young age.”
- CHRIS HANSEN
Former Colorado State Senator and Bill Sponsor
CEO of LaPlata Electric
Policy resources
Seal of Climate Literacy Overview: Your go-to overview about the Seal of Climate Literacy as it exists in Colorado. Remember - this could look different for other states.
Colorado Legislation: Learn more about the bill that established the Seal of Climate Literacy in Colorado here, including the bill text, the fiscal note, information about the bill sponsors, and more.
Maine Policy: Learn more about the policy that established the Seal of Climate Literacy in Maine through the Department of Education here.
We are growing a body of tools and supports for policy growth. Check back in the future for more resources and updates.
Here to Help
Considering a new policy can be daunting. Let us help.
We offer assistance and support to help you pursue policy change and implement the Seal of Climate Literacy in your state.