CLEVELAND — The first ever in-person Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit brought students from 8th to 12th grade, together.
They learned how to create change about the climate problems of today and the future.
“Even though you are a student there is still so much you can do,” said Asalé Jones, a Sophomore at Laurel School. “Whether that be writing papers to your local leaders or just talking about it with people around you.”
Students in Laurel School’s environmental justice semester came up with the idea for the summit. And had the support of Global Shapers Cleveland and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. One hundred students from across the region came to CASE Western Reserve University’s Think Box, with more on a waiting list.
“I’m really enjoying it. We have been envisioning this summit for so long. So, to see it come to fruition is very exciting,” said Jones.
Breakout sessions focused on developing community climate strategies, the health impact and becoming a sustainable consumer. Even making reusable bags out of old t-shirts. To find future solutions it will take multiple disciplines across the STEM fields.
“We are going to need solution changemakers in the fields of chemist and math and marine science, atmospheric science and even environmental law,” stated Angela Yeager, the Director of the Laurel School Environmental Justice Semester.
The keynote speaker was Xiye Bastida, a 21-year-old climate activist from New York, served as keynote speaker.
“I want people to really feel inspired to be change makers themselves. And I think they will learn from each other, they will learn from what I have to share, they will learn from their teachers,” said Xiye Bastida.
Bastida received the U.N. Spirt Award and co-organized New York City’s largest youth led climate march.
“A lot of people think climate activist are just going on strike, for marching or protesting, but I true live my life as a climate activist and every decision I make is for the betterment of the environment,” said Bastida.
Within her message, youth have the power to create change, like she did.
“I just scrapped that notion that you had to be a certain age to have agency, And I decided I’m going to take my power of agency now,” sated Bastida.
Youth in attendance say they need to address the climate problems ignored by past generations.
“If we want to not just survive but thrive and fill the potential, we know our generate has, we have to do this kind of work,” remarked Laurel School sophomore, Madeline Friedman.
Thanks to the overwhelming interest, there is already talk about making the Youth Climate Summit a larger event next year.
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