Taking Online Environmental Science Courses in High School

For today’s high school students, climate change is not a distant problem, it’s a constantly looming reality they see in headlines, local weather events, and conversations about the future.

Recent studies show that the reality of climate change and its impacts has led to a rise in climate anxiety among teens and young people. In a survey of U.S. youth, 85% said they were at least moderately worried, and 57.9% said they were very or extremely worried about climate change and its impacts on people and the planet.

These feelings of environmental concern weigh heavily on teens’ mental health and negatively affects many teens’ daily lives and long-term outlook. Research suggests that climate anxiety––including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the threats and impacts of climate change––is rapidly on the rise and may even become one of the top mental health challenges in today’s youth.

Empowering Students Through Environmental Science

Instead of turning away from these challenges, however, many students are seeking opportunities to learn more, get involved, and become part of the solution. These young people are responding to their concerns by learning about climate solutions, taking environmental science courses, and pursuing environmentally-focused college majors and careers.

By taking environmental science courses in high school, students are equipped with the knowledge and perspective to understand the science behind climate change and explore innovative solutions. These learners are also introduced to new career pathways that leverage their passion and align with their values.

At VHS Learning, we see the growing importance of taking in-depth environmental science courses in high school, and we continue to build up our course catalog to meet the interests and passions of our students. In addition to our AP® Environmental Science offering, we’ve recently launched two new environmental science courses for the 2025-2026 school year: Environmental Science: Conservation and Sustainable Solutions and Environmental Science: Ecosystem Balance and the Human Impact.

Building a Foundation for Climate Action

Climate anxiety can feel overwhelming, but education provides a path forward. When students learn how ecosystems function, how human actions affect the environment, and what kinds of solutions are being developed, they gain both knowledge and agency. Environmental science courses show learners that while their concerns and challenges are real, there are also opportunities for innovation, advocacy, and stewardship.

In our online AP® Environmental Science course, students are introduced to foundational concepts about energy transfer, Earth systems, and sustainability. By exploring case studies and preparing for the AP® exam, students not only gain college-level experience, but they also begin to envision themselves as future scientists, policymakers, and activists. In addition, completion of this course and a passing score on the AP® exam can set students ahead in their college studies, giving them more time to explore higher-level college courses in their degree programs.

Hands-On Learning with Real-World Impact

Our new environmental science course, Conservation and Sustainable Solutions, dives deeper into the exploration of sustainability and the environment, focusing on biodiversity, pollution, and ecosystem restoration. Students learn how damaged ecosystems can heal, how different communities combat pollution, and how conservation efforts can protect––and even restore––species and habitats. Engaging with projects centered around real-world challenges allows students to connect their studies to urgent global issues, fostering learners’ critical thinking skills and giving them hope.

Likewise, our new Ecosystem Balance and the Human Impact course helps students examine the environmental impacts of everyday choices––from what we eat to how we build cities. By exploring topics such as environmental justice, sustainable resource use, and the ripple effects of human activity, students learn how actions can affect the delicate balance of ecosystems. Throughout the course, students discover the pathway to creating climate solutions and develop a systems-based mindset that equips them to tackle complex problems in their future careers.

Turning Climate Anxiety into Action

Environmental science courses empower students beyond easing climate anxiety, opening doors to meaningful career opportunities. Whether students pursue environmental engineering, conservation biology, sustainable agriculture, or green energy, they’ll be entering in-demand fields that directly contribute to building a better planet.

And for those students who don’t pursue science as a profession, the lessons they learn by taking environmental science courses in high school foster lifelong habits of stewardship, community action, and informed decision-making.

As our youth is tasked with facing the realities of climate change, education becomes one of the most powerful tools for change. By channeling their concern into knowledge and action, students can shift from feeling powerless to being empowered to take the future into their own hands. At VHS Learning, we’re proud to support this journey, helping students confront climate anxiety and find their voice in shaping a sustainable future.