A cohort of 60 students participated in the Columbia Climate School in Vermont, where they developed actionable Climate Action Projects. Students like Anna, Vaishnavi, and Katana shared their experiences in overcoming challenges while implementing their initiatives, reflecting on the importance of collaboration and adaptability in effecting community change.
Last summer, 60 students gathered in the Green Mountains of Vermont for a two-week program at Columbia Climate School, aimed at studying and addressing climate change. They aligned their personal passions with potential community impacts, crafted detailed Climate Action Projects, and sought feedback from experts. After the program, they returned to implement their ideas in their local areas.
We followed up with three students who shared their experiences. Anna P. from Virginia was inspired to create a website to simplify access to the Inflation Reduction Act’s benefits, using tools like incentive calculators and newsletters to help users navigate complex information.
Vaishnavi S., a senior from Washington, was already involved in identifying solar energy opportunities in her community and aimed to install solar panels on schools. She learned about the importance of adapting her goals to align with institutional timelines and the need for persistence in her efforts.
Katana K., another participant, tried to initiate a switch from plastic to reusable utensils in her school cafeteria. Facing barriers in community involvement and financial support, she modified her focus toward sustainable alternatives, including composting initiatives and biodegradable options.
Vaishnavi faced hurdles within the bureaucratic processes of solar installation approval, illustrating how youth must adapt their goals to fit organizational pacing while remaining flexible in their aims. Katana echoed this sentiment, stating that meaningful change often encounters systemic obstacles and emphasizing the importance of advocacy without overwhelming pressure.
Despite setbacks, all three students made progress through collaboration. Vaishnavi suggested forming alliances with like-minded individuals, while Katana will lead her Climate Action Club in focusing on sustainable initiatives. Anna plans to launch her website, “Save Money, Reduce Emissions,” to educate users on IRA incentives.
“Young people have incredible power in the climate movement and are stepping up as community leaders and driving positive solutions forward,” stated Laurel Zaima-Sheehy from the Climate School, highlighting the program’s goal to empower students to pursue long-term climate initiatives after the program concludes.
For additional information about the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains program, prospective students can explore the program’s website and FAQs to stay informed about future offerings.
The Columbia Climate School program effectively engages youth in climate action by fostering leadership skills and providing guidance as they develop and implement their projects. Students like Anna, Vaishnavi, and Katana demonstrate that, despite obstacles, proactive strategies, collaboration, and adaptability can drive meaningful environmental change. The initiative emphasizes the significant impact that young leaders can have in shaping sustainable futures for their communities.
Original Source: news.climate.columbia.edu
