Amidst the deluge of dismal climate crisis headlines, many are gripped by a sense of foreboding. Enter Poly’s new second semester Climate Change class — an elective that aims to transform students into stewards of the environment to actively engage in the fight countering climate change.

Inspired by “The Ministry of the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson, Upper School History teacher Avi McClelland-Cohen has been in the process of establishing this class for over two years.

“I wanted to create a class that would combat climate despair and leave students feeling galvanized that change is happening,” she shared. “Students have been requesting a climate change class for years, and I am excited to bring this class to students.”

Recognizing that climate change is a complex and multifaceted challenge, the curriculum draws from many fields, delving deep into the science behind climate change as well as its economic, social and political implications. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to comprehend the various dimensions of climate change and develop holistic solutions considering ecological and societal factors.

The world is on the brink of a catastrophic climate crisis. This new class emerges amongst numerous Poly efforts to combat climate change, from reusable dishes, to an extensive composting program and solar panels. This class furthers Poly’s goal of becoming more sustainable and supports students’ involvement in fighting climate change. The Climate Change class is a testament to Poly’s commitment to nurture environmentally conscious leaders for generations to come.