Episode 53: Climate Literacy + Civic Action: How Colorado Made It Official

<p>What does it take to move from youth interest in climate to state-level policy change?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials</em>, we sit down with Mary Seawell, CEO of Lyra Colorado, to unpack the story behind Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy — a high school diploma endorsement created through Senate Bill 24-014.</p><p>Mary shares how a small team, strong relationships with educators, and youth-led testimony helped pass statewide legislation without a lobbyist — and why centering student voice was the most persuasive strategy of all.</p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li><p>What the Seal of Climate Literacy requires (coursework + experiential, community-based action)</p></li><li><p>How rural and urban communities alike helped shape and champion the policy</p></li><li><p>Why flexibility and district-level ownership matter</p></li><li><p>How existing frameworks (like Environmental Action Civics) can align with and strengthen the seal</p></li><li><p>What it means to design climate education that is hopeful, place-based, and rooted in community values</p></li></ul><p>In its first full year, more than 420 students earned the seal — with participation expected to triple. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when young people are trusted as civic leaders, systems can shift.</p><p><a href="https://www.lyracolorado.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Learn more about Lyra Colorado.</a></p><p><br></p>