TRENTON — The National Wildlife Federation and New Jersey Audubon issued the following statement after the New Jersey State Board of Education’s historic decision to incorporate climate change across the state's K-12 learning standards.

“Acting on climate change requires that we not only take action today — which Gov. Murphy and his administration have championed — but also that we educate and inspire tomorrow’s scientists, leaders, and conservationists,” said Curtis Fisher, northeast regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation. "Education and climate change are perfect together, and this important step by First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey State Board of Education ensures that the next generation will be better prepared to pursue our clean energy future."

“Integrating climate change concepts across K-12 curricula ensures that the next generation will be better informed and prepared to innovate in light of the many environmental issues New Jersey and the county will face," said Dale Rosselet, vice president for education for New Jersey Audubon and chair of the New Jersey Commission on Environmental Education. "We commend First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey State Board of Education in this important first step. New Jersey Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation look forward to supporting this critical development and doing our part to inspire the next generation to act on climate change."