WHEREAS,  April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; and

WHEREAS,  the first Earth Day in 1970 included teach-ins across the country focused on environmental education; and

WHEREAS,  environmental education builds emotional and social skills, including self-esteem, character development, teamwork and leadership skills and climate literacy by encouraging students to research and think critically about complex environmental issues; and

WHEREAS,  environmental education improves overall academic performance by embracing many other disciplines such as science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, engineering, fine arts and technology; and

WHEREAS,  outdoor learning may contribute to greater long-term retention of academic material through hands-on, experiential learning; and

WHEREAS,  green schoolyards promote physical health by providing many active and cooperative play options for children of different abilities, ages and genders; and

WHEREAS,  healthy school meals support brain power with vitamins and nutrients needed for focus and energy, promote healthy eating habits outside of the classroom and decrease childhood obesity rates; and

WHEREAS,  environmental education prepares students for careers in green and STEM industries, which are high in demand, contribute to economic development and are expected to grow in the future; and

WHEREAS,  environmental education promotes civic engagement and environmental awareness, fostering an ability to participate in lifelong environmental decision making and stewardship; and

WHEREAS,  environmental education continues to gain support from individuals, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, governments and commercial enterprises across the world; now, therefore, be it