With Final Unanimous Senate Vote, California Legislature Advances Becker’s Seal of Climate Literacy Bill

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislature has passed Senator Josh Becker’s (D–Menlo Park) SB 1048, legislation creating a voluntary California Seal of Climate Literacy to recognize high school students who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience in climate education and local environmental action. The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in its final vote in the Senate. SB 1048 now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration.

“Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and we have a responsibility to equip the next generation of climate leaders with the tools they need to meet it,” said Senator Becker. “SB 1048 gives students the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to become stewards of our planet while preparing them for the growing opportunities in California’s clean energy economy.”

“The State Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences students need to thrive in a rapidly changing climate and economy, " said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “By combining rigorous coursework with hands-on, community-based learning, this seal empowers students to be informed leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators. As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I strongly support this effort to elevate climate education and expand pathways to green careers for California’s youth.”

"As the climate crisis worsens, our education must catch up with the harsh reality we're living in. As a California high school student, I see every day how much young people care about the climate crisis and how hungry we are for real knowledge with opportunities to apply our learning in authentic, relevant ways," said Aahaan Jain, co-lead of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action's State Advocacy team and student at Lynbrook High School. "SB 1048 addresses this gap by recognizing that students understand the climate crisis and are ready to be part of the solution. It also sends a powerful signal to future employers and colleges that we have valuable, marketable skills and experiences. We're grateful to Senator Becker for championing this bill and for empowering youth in California."

“Extreme heat, major wildfires, and severe flooding are reshaping the communities where California students live and learn,” said Jonathan Klein, CEO and Co-Founder of UndauntedK12. “Students need more than awareness — they need practical skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in a climate-impacted economy. The Seal of Climate Literacy recognizes students who apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic leadership to real challenges in their communities. We’re grateful to Senator Becker for championing a forward-looking approach that prepares California students for the jobs and opportunities of the future.”

In 2024, Colorado became the first state to adopt a Seal of Climate Literacy. SB 1048 builds on that model to affirm and strengthen California’s leadership while aligning with the state’s broader climate mitigation and adaptation goals.

"California's students and families are living through the impacts of climate change — from wildfires to flooding to extreme heat — and they deserve an education that equips them to respond,” said Heather Ippolito, president of the California State PTA. “The California State PTA supports climate and energy literacy that connects classroom learning to real-life situations and empowers students to be part of the solution in their own communities. This legislation does exactly that, and we encourage schools, families, and communities to embrace it."

Under SB 1048, participation by local educational agencies (LEAs) is voluntary. To ensure all LEAs have the ability to participate, this bill allows for the Education Commissioner to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide guidance and support in developing the framework. 

The Seal responds to growing student interest in climate-related careers and equips young people to understand both the environmental and economic impacts of climate change. It integrates classroom instruction with experiential learning—ensuring students not only study climate issues but actively engage in solutions within their communities.

California currently recognizes students through the State Seal of Civic Engagement and the State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Climate Literacy builds on that framework by elevating climate competency as an important educational achievement for the 21st century.

"Through our work with young people across California, we see students eager to be leaders in finding solutions to the climate crisis,” said Andra Yeghoian, Chief Innovation Officer at Ten Strands. “A Seal of Climate Literacy serves as a meaningful capstone, recognizing and expanding access to high-quality climate learning already underway. The Seal affirms that work and gives students the opportunity to apply their learning across college, careers, and community leadership."

SB 1048 is co-sponsored by Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, the California State PTA, and Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA). It is supported by a broad coalition of education and environmental advocates.

“The unanimous, bipartisan support for this bill shows that preparing our students for the future is something we can all get behind,” Becker added. “Climate change will shape our economy, workforce, and communities for decades to come. California students deserve the knowledge and skills to meet that future and to lead it. I would like to thank Superintendent Tony Thurmond and our sponsors and supporters for bringing this important bill to the final step.”