Judge Rules for Youths in Climate-Change Trial

In a landmark climate case in Montana, a group of young people has emerged victorious. The judge ruled in Held v. Montana that the state’s failure to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional, thereby placing the burden on state agencies to take action to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

This decision marks a significant win in the fight against government support for oil, gas and coal, which have contributed to global warming. The ruling means that Montana must now take climate change into account when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects. The state attorney general’s office intends to appeal the decision.

This case is part of a larger wave of climate-change litigation that targets companies and governments around the world. Other states and cities have sued major companies seeking damages from climate disasters, while individuals have sued governments for enabling the fossil fuel industry and failing to protect citizens. The case, which was the first of its kind to go to trial in the U.S., sets an important precedent for similar cases in other states and may have reverberations around the world.

Teachers Face Big-Tech Challenges and Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning experiences and teaching assistance. AI can help teachers identify gaps in students’ understanding, enabling a swift, tailored response. AI tools can also be used as study aids, reinforcing classroom concepts and driving student engagement.

Two organizations—California-based online educator Khan Academy and Seattle-based computer science education nonprofit Code.org have joined forces to create a free, five-part AI training series for teachers. Code.org also offers two instructional videos for teachers, students and the public.

Despite the potential for AI in the classroom, teachers’ contributions remain crucial as facilitators of technology tools to foster enriched learning environments. Teachers can also identify if students are leveraging AI assistance, such as ChatGPT, helping ensure the ethical usage of these tools. Khan Academy, Code.org and others are providing teachers and administrators with the tools they will need to keep pace with emerging technology.