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

What does it take to move from youth interest in climate to state-level policy change?In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, 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.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.We explore:What the Seal of Climate Literacy requires (coursework + experiential, community-based action)How rural and urban communities alike helped shape and champion the policyWhy flexibility and district-level ownership matterHow existing frameworks (like Environmental Action Civics) can align with and strengthen the sealWhat it means to design climate education that is hopeful, place-based, and rooted in community valuesIn 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.Learn more about Lyra Colorado.