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Gonzaga Climate Institute

The Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment envisions a transition to integral Earth-human relations characterized by thriving, equitable human societies within flourishing ecological communities. Such a vision is central to our identity as a Jesuit institution of higher learning. We are informed by an abiding commitment to a just society and care for the planet. The Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment engages in regional capacity building, scholarship, and teaching to promote the flourishing of inland northwest communities, waters, and lands in the face of a changing climate.

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Climate Literacy Project

What is Climate Literacy?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), climate literacy means that you understand the influence of climate on yourself and society and your influence on climate. The Gonzaga Climate Literacy Project seeks to help teachers and students develop a foundational scientific understanding of the complex workings of our climate, what has caused it to change in the past, the most likely causes of its present changes, and the likely global, regional, and local impacts of a changing climate. Building on that scientific knowledge, the Climate Literacy Project also invites reflection on the larger cultural, economic, and ethical issues related to climate change and the challenge of engaging the topic. We encourage teachers and students to “make it local and keep it hopeful” and explore concrete pedagogies and lessons for doing so.

Climate Literacy Fellows

In partnership with the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the legislature-funded ClimeTime program, the Gonzaga Climate Institute has created the Climate Literacy Fellows program, which hires and trains Gonzaga undergraduates to deliver high-impact climate literacy activities in elementary and middle school classrooms (grades K-8). Learn more about the Climate Literacy Fellows program.

To learn more about the Climate Literacy Project click here >

Events

We also host a number of events on Gonzaga’s Campus. If you would like to attend an event, you can see our event schedule here.

Mailing List

Stay up to date about what is happening with the Climate Center by signing up for our mailing list here.

Partners & Collaborators

Dr. John Traynor, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University School of Education
Spokane Public School District
Northeast Washington Educational Service District 101 (NEWESD101)

Climate Literacy Project Workshops

For university professors

“Cataldo Project: Sustainability and Climate Across the Curriculum“

For secondary school teachers (grades 6-12)

The Climate Institute is hosting climate literacy workshops for Washington State elementary school teachers.

Learn more and register >

For elementary school teachers (grades K-5)