In the summer of 2024, 60 students participated in The Columbia Climate School’s program in Vermont, where they developed Climate Action Projects to address local climate issues. Participants Anna P., Vaishnavi S., and Katana K. shared insights on their initiatives, challenges faced, and strategies employed for effective implementation. The program emphasizes youth empowerment in climate action, showcasing the significant impact of student-led initiatives in their communities.
Last summer, 60 high school students gathered in the Green Mountains of Vermont to devise strategies for addressing climate change. They explored their interests and assessed their influence as youth, pinpointing climate challenges in their communities. By developing detailed action plans and timelines, they aimed to present their ideas to experts and subsequently implement their projects upon returning to their hometowns.
We interviewed three participants from the Columbia Climate School’s summer 2024 session to learn how their initiatives have progressed. Anna P., Vaishnavi S., and Katana K. reflected on their experiences in creating Climate Action Projects, highlighting both challenges and strategies they encountered while striving to effect change in the face of a global crisis.
Anna P., a sophomore from Virginia, became intrigued by the Inflation Reduction Act during her training at Green Mountains. Recognizing the complexities of accessing its benefits, she conceived a project to design a website that serves as an incentive calculator and search tool. This site aims to empower users and streamline access to IRA incentives via a newsletter.
Vaishnavi S., a senior from Washington State, entered the program with prior experience collaborating with an energy manager to identify solar-ready buildings in her area. She remained dedicated to installing solar panels on K-12 schools but faced challenges in navigating the slow approval process and aligning her pace with that of school officials.
Katana K. has adapted her Climate Action Club initiatives from her sessions at Green Mountains. Initially aiming to replace plastic utensils in her school cafeteria, she experienced obstacles related to community involvement and budget constraints. She has pivoted to other projects, focusing on biodegradable alternatives and enhancing the existing composting capabilities, which have proven insufficient for sustainable change.
Both Vaishnavi and Katana learned to navigate institutional frameworks while maintaining their focus on environmental achievements. Vaishnavi advised adjusting expectations to accommodate the slower pace of governmental processes, stating, “Until I am in a position of power… I’ve learned to be flexible and work within their schedules.” Katana echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of balancing assertiveness with patience.
Despite their obstacles, the students emphasized the importance of collaboration and clear goal-setting. “Find people with influence who share your goals,” Vaishnavi encouraged. Her strategic planning involved documenting potential solar sites to maintain focus. She aspires to become an environmental engineer in renewable energy.
Katana intends to lead her Climate Action Club in future efforts, advocating for the environment. She believes educational institutions should foster an ethos of proactive change among students. “If they expect this of us, then they shouldn’t be surprised when we want to make change,” she stated.
Anna is set to launch her IRA incentive website, “Save Money, Reduce Emissions,” in the spring. She seeks to boost site traffic through social media and community engagement, appreciating her current high school schedule as a unique opportunity for outreach. “There is so much more I want to learn, and this is one of my strengths,” she remarked.
Laurel Zaima-Sheehy, Assistant Director at the Columbia Climate School, emphasized the potential of young individuals to lead climate initiatives. “We want to support students… so their Climate Action Project becomes a reality. This is the work of our lifetime!” she affirmed.
For further information regarding The Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains program, interested parties are encouraged to visit our website and FAQs. Additionally, individuals may sign up for our pre-college mailing list or reach out via email for updates on offerings.
In conclusion, the Columbia Climate School’s program equips youth with the tools and knowledge to address climate challenges in their communities. Through collaboration, adaptability, and goal-setting, the students exemplify how proactive efforts can lead to tangible change. Their experiences underscore the invaluable role young people play in the climate movement, affirming their capacity to drive sustainable solutions in collaboration with established institutions.
Original Source: news.climate.columbia.edu
