Last week, WPSU kicked off Earth Month with a day for high school students on climate change & environmental education. They brought a myriad of organizations together, showing how we are capable of living, learning, & playing in better harmony with the creation.
It was an honor to close out the day talking about action on climate change from the global to the local level. Our panel included Pam Adams (Centre Region Council of Governments Sustainability Planner), Brandi Robinson (Co-Director of Penn State Sustainability‘s Local Climate Action Program), Dr. Richard Alley (Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences & co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with the IPCC), & me in my capacity as a Board member of the State College Area School District & Chair of the Centre County Solar Working Group. We were moderated by Brandi’s & my awesome student, Gemma Morrison.
For many youth, climate change can seem overwhelming. In recent Harris & 4-H polls, we see environmental issues as a main driver of worry. Teens’ attitudes about nature, climate and the future include:
- 89% of teens regularly think about the environment, with the majority feeling more worried than hopeful
- 82% “expect to have to make future life decisions based on the state of the environment, including where I live, what kinds of jobs will be available, or if I will have children”
o 84% believe, If we don’t address climate change today, it will be too late for future generations , making some parts of the planet unlivable” - Teens’ perceived empowerment to change the future: Teens feel “responsible to protect the future of our planet” (77%), with majorities actively making an effort to minimize energy use (67%)
- 79% of teens also agree, “Protecting the environment should take priority over economic growth.”
Our kids have been calling on us to draw down carbon emissions & provide them with a more secure future. Led by youth such Greta Thunberg & Xiye Bastida, they have been striking. Shamefully, leaders have not only ignored our kids, they’ve aided & abetted the merchants of doubt that drive global heating. It’s on us to face the challenge.
The sense of being overwhelmed is a mindset. How we process climate change’s reality, that we talk about it based in both facts & common values, & that we choose to do things together can & does make the difference. I’ve seen it in so many people’s lives. So I encourage everybody to take action where it matters.
Learn about climate change. Don’t get hung up on “being the expert.” Just learn with openness from trusted sources like Climate Central, Inc., NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, or Skeptical Science.
Talk about climate honestly. As you learn, discover what it means to you & speak honesty from your own point of view. Learn how from the FrameWorks Institute & Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Finally, take a step with others. Never go it alone. Hope lives in action and there’s more hope in working together. If you’re in school, diagnose what’s being taught about climate & sustainability in your school. Sustainability is in Pennsylvania’s standards, now. Is your District up to it? Where’s your district getting its electricity? Do they have a plan to transition to zero-carbon electricity? Learning the answers to this question, consider approaching your teachers, your administration, & your school board to change things around. We are most of the way to 80% solar power in the State College Area School District. Maybe your district is next.
Pro tip: It’s not just kids who can do this. So can parents. School districts respond to consistent & persistent action from citizens. Get your coalition together & approach your school.
I wrapped up by saying, climate action is like a concert. Whether you’re the guitar tech or in the sound booth, a fan or in the band, you have a role to play.
What role will you play?
Peter Walks for Democracy 