Carter provides written testimony in legislative committee hearing

Hannah Carter, dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, submitted written testimony Jan. 25 to the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Education & Cultural Affairs in support of LD 1902, An Act To Establish a Pilot Program to Encourage Climate Education in Maine Schools.

A copy of her testimony is online.

In addition to UMaine’s internationally recognized climate change research in Maine and throughout the world, UMaine Extension brings interdisciplinary education, research and service to every county, noted Carter, who is also a member of the Natural and Working Lands Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. The outreach not only helps homeowners to agriculture producers meet the challenges and opportunities brought by a changing climate, but also engages nearly 20,000 youth annually in experiential education increasingly connected to climate science. 

Through interdisciplinary climate education, “we’re not only connecting Maine youth to our natural world and empowering them to be its informed stewards, we’re helping them develop creative and critical thinking skills, solve real-world problems, be physically active and build self-esteem and self-reliance,” Carter wrote in her testimony.

“With our expertise, experience and statewide resources and relationships, UMaine Cooperative Extension and our 4-H Youth Development programs are well-positioned if LD 1902 moves forward to partner with Maine schools and other organizations to develop high-quality, high-impact climate science education programs that foster more equitable student achievement and environmental outcomes.”

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu