With so many of us focused on global climate talks underway at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, LLF and the Lab have introduced an exciting new resource to engage communities in the climate conversation. Thanks to funding from the Clean and Sustainable Energy (CASE) Fund, we are launching a special initiative aimed at helping the general public, as well as students, understand the fundamentals of carbon dioxide removal, climate change and carbon neutrality.  

The Carbon Cleanup Initiative is a unique public awareness partnership with LLNL’s Energy group, led by Roger Aines, Ph.D. Featuring a website, FAQ’s and videos, it is based on the fundamental science and proposed solutions in Getting to Neutral, the Lab’s seminal 2020 report on how California can achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. It also features special educational materials, designed and written by the San Joaquin Office of STEM Education for students in grades 9-14. These materials follow Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and offer 14+ hours of supplemental lesson plans. 

“We are honored that the CASE Fund asked us to develop these important public education materials,” said Sally Allen, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “Climate change is the issue of our generation, yet little is known by the general public on how we can work to achieve carbon neutrality. These materials are written in easy-to-understand language and feature the Lab’s top energy experts.”

This Fall, a select group of educators in California’s San Joaquin Delta, Kern County, and the Bay Area will begin a six-month cohort teaching the materials in the classroom.  The lessons are available – free of charge – to any educator desiring supplemental learning materials. The Foundation has also partnered with the Lab’s Teacher Research Academy for additional educational seminars in Summer 2022. The Carbon Cleanup Initiative website is live and can be accessed by clicking the button below.