How Demographic Patterns are Shaping Sustainability Education in U.S. Cities

I. Introduction

Climate change is on an upward trajectory, affecting more and more lives every day. Over 40 percent of US counties were vulnerable to climate-related disasters in 2021 (NOAA). Being knowledgeable about climate change and sustainable practices is a crucial way to empower people to vote for sustainable policies, engage with environmental advocacy, and fight for the specific changes they want to see in their communities.

By comparing the cities of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Port Huron, we argue that differences in income, educational attainment, and political ideologies strongly shape the implementation of sustainability education and reinforce socioeconomic disparities.

A decade ago, the United Nations came together to address issues such as climate change, poverty, and equity, creating 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Three of these goals are quality education, climate action, and fostering sustainable communities and cities. The United States should start working towards these goals with an emphasis on local-level action.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second-largest public school district in the US, resulting in a diverse mix of socioeconomic levels. Around 80 percent of students come from families living in poverty (LAUSD, 2020). In Los Angeles, around 50 percent of residents are in the middle-income tier, 31 percent in the lower-income tier, and 19 percent in the upper-income tier.

City-level income inequality is extremely relevant to school funding as they are largely funded by local tax bases, meaning wealthier areas are able to invest in their schools' classroom sustainability and educational access. LAUSD has done an extensive job at implementing sustainable practices, winning a 2015 US Department of Education award for reducing environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and providing effective environmental education.

Chicago

Chicago is similar to LA in its diverse, rich culture. The median household income in Chicago is around $75,134, with about 43 percent of residents in the middle-income tier. The overall poverty rate is around 17 percent, which is above the national average. One in four children in Chicago lives in poverty.

Chicago Public Schools has faced significant budget deficits. Nearly 58 percent of school buildings are considered underutilized. CPS lower-income schools deal with outdated science equipment, a lack of environmental science classes, or a lack of elective options. Since sustainability is not a core subject, it is only taught when a school already has extra resources.

Port Huron

Port Huron differs from LA and Chicago because it is more suburban and much smaller. The median household income is around $49,377, and about 22.1 percent of residents live below the poverty line. The Port Huron Area School District serves around 7,147 students. Port Huron exemplifies how smaller cities have fewer schools, leading to fewer programs, especially sustainability programs.

II. Political Affiliation

Political affiliation is a key demographic factor shaping how cities prioritize sustainability, develop environmental legislation, and integrate climate issues into school systems. Across cities with different majority political affiliations, those with strong Democratic voting patterns often support climate action, environmental justice, and renewable energy initiatives. In contrast, conservative regions tend to emphasize economic stability and local stewardship.

Los Angeles is one of the most politically liberal cities in the United States, with more than three million registered Democrats. Democratic leadership has supported widespread environmental initiatives, including renewable energy investments, emissions reduction requirements, and green infrastructure development. LAUSD has also implemented district-wide sustainability goals that align with California's climate mandates.

Chicago reflects a very similar political leaning, with strong Democratic support. Chicago has adopted multiple climate plans, including the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which emphasize greener transportation, cleaner energy, and reduced urban heat. Port Huron, located within St. Clair County, leans heavily conservative, with more than 66 percent of voters supporting Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Local schools emphasize stewardship, recycling, and conservation rather than implementing statewide or national climate policy.

III. Population and Age

When evaluating the impact of demographics on sustainability curriculum, age stands out as a unique factor. Chicago, sitting at approximately 2.7 million people, has a median age of 36.4 years. Individuals ages 20–39 make up approximately 35 percent of the population, and more than 70 percent of the population has attained some college education or more.

Port Huron, with approximately 28,724 people, has a median age of 38.3 years. The 20–39 age range makes up only 27 percent of the population. With a larger population of individuals under 18, it may be more effective to focus on new curriculum initiatives for K-12 education. Los Angeles, with approximately 3.8 million people, has age demographics notably similar to Chicago's, with the population aged 18–65 making up 67 percent of residents.

IV. Conclusion

When considering sustainability efforts throughout the United States, it is important to understand how to most effectively implement environmental awareness into the educational curriculum. Our analysis revealed that sustainability efforts through curriculum are context-dependent and most affected when scaled and designed appropriately to maximize engagement with teachings and programs.

Across the three cities, more generous budget allocations to school districts, as well as sustainable infrastructure, enable the implementation of sustainability curriculum more reliably. In Los Angeles, district-wide sustainability initiatives and significant investment in sustainable infrastructure serve as a model. In Chicago, while governmental programs align with sustainability, economic instability limits school-level implementation. Port Huron offers a different context: sustainability education is not a top priority, but community-driven programs demonstrate the importance of policies that foster local engagement.