Springfield, IL – Illinois has taken a bold step toward climate literacy by becoming the fifth state to mandate climate change education in public schools. On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker signed a landmark bill requiring that starting in 2026, all public school students in Illinois will receive instruction on climate change and its impact on communities, as well as solutions to address the growing crisis.
Led by State Senator Adriane Johnson and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, the new law emphasizes teaching the environmental and ecological effects of climate change and equips students with tools to understand and combat it. The legislation gives schools the flexibility to integrate this content into existing science curricula while offering support through resources and professional development for teachers.
“By incorporating climate change education into the classroom, Illinois is paving the way for a more informed and proactive generation,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “This is a crucial step in ensuring students are not only aware of the climate crisis but are also prepared to take meaningful action.”
The law’s sponsors, Senator Johnson and Representative Yang Rohr, echoed the need for equipping young people with the knowledge to address the pressing environmental issues. “Our students are calling for a curriculum that reflects the reality of climate change,” said Johnson. “This law gives them the opportunity to learn about the science and the equitable solutions we need to face this challenge.”
The new mandate also provides the Illinois Board of Education with the task of developing training materials and instructional support to help educators effectively teach these complex topics. Representative Yang Rohr emphasized the importance of delivering fact-based, comprehensive climate education. “This curriculum will give students the tools to better understand the threats and solutions for their future, preparing them for both personal and professional challenges related to the climate.”
Community advocates hailed the legislation as a significant victory. Helen von den Steinen and Maria Cabiya, co-founders of Climate Education for Illinois (CE4IL), lauded the grassroots support that helped push the bill through, especially youth advocacy. “This was a hard-fought win, and it’s just the beginning. Our goal is to ensure that all students are equipped with knowledge and skills to address climate change.”
Chicago-area students with the climate group It’s Our Future played a vital role in supporting the legislation, promoting the bill through events, conferences, and direct advocacy with legislators. “We saw firsthand what happens when students are empowered with environmental education,” said group members. “Their passion showed us just how impactful learning about climate change can be.”
By joining states like California, New Jersey, and New York, Illinois is now part of a growing movement to prepare future generations for the realities of climate change, ensuring they are informed, capable, and ready to tackle one of the most significant challenges of their lifetime.