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Group that Defended Evolution in the Classroom Now Turns to Climate Change

Jan 16, 2012; 11:30 AM ET

Educators in the United States who instruct their pupils about the basic principles of climate change have been coming under fire from parents, students and administrators, according to a prominent educational group.

The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) said it would begin next week to offer support for teachers who include climate change in their curriculum. The NCSE has a 30-year track record of similar support for teachers who bring instruction about evolution into the classroom.

The NCSE said that it had noticed a crossover effect in the last two years, with many opponents of evolution now turning their energies toward fighting climate science.

"I do fear for the upcoming generation," said Eugenie Scott, director of the NCSE. "If teachers are intimidated and neglect this topic for fear of raising controversy, we will have a new generation that is undereducated and less concerned about an issue than they need to be."

A survey last year by the National Earth Science Teachers Association found that more than 25 percent of teachers had reported disputes with their pupils, parents or school officials over the facts behind climate change -- namely, that the planet is warming and that human activity is exacerbating the trend.

Several state legislatures have taken up bills that would limit teachers' ability to discuss topics such as climate change, evolution or stem cells, although only Louisiana has passed such legislation. Local school districts in several areas have contemplated "teaching the controversy," or providing dissenting opinions along with the established climate science (Suzanne Goldenberg, London Guardian, Jan. 13). -- NM

Reprinted from ClimateWire with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. 202-628-6500.

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