BOISE, Idaho -- Today, student leaders from all four Boise high schools gathered in conjunction with sibling events around the country to mark the end of global negotiations for action to stop climate change in Bonn, Germany.
The United States was the only holdout for the climate talks as a result of President Trump’s decision earlier this year to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord. A central goal of the event was to signal to countries around the world, and leaders here in Idaho, that Idaho’s students are still committing to stopping climate change.
To demonstrate their commitment now and in the future, students collected objects and letters from the crowd of 50 representing the things at risk from climate. The items were sealed in time capsules that won’t be opened for another 50 years after they are sent to be buried in Washington D.C. with capsules from around the nation.
Chris Taylor from the Boise School District addresses the crowd, focusing on comprehensive science standards.
“To put an item in the time capsule that represents our love for Idaho, or anything of significance to us, we acknowledge the importance of our time now,” said Therese Etoka, senior at Boise High School. “In 50 years, I want to be remembered as someone who spoke out, someone who stood up for what is right."
The students came together to form the Idaho Climate Justice League, a group focused on increasing awareness about the impact of climate change and hold leaders accountable to protect Idaho’s climate, people and economy. The students reached out and received support from Idaho leaders including Boise Mayor David Bieter, Boise School District Science Supervisor Chris Taylor, and Idaho State Representative Sue Chew. Each supported in a different way, with a speech or letter, but all pledged to fight on.
Students from Boise, Capital, Borah and Timberline celebrate their letter from Boise's Mayor Bieter ahead of the event.
“The truth is we are all gathered here to see an optimistic future,” said Jai Bansal, senior at Capital High School. “When my grandchildren open this thing up, in the better world that I believe will ultimately come to pass, they will find a range of emotions that are deeply, profoundly human. And that is what this fight is about.”
The fight for climate in Idaho begins with statewide science education standards. In 2016, the Idaho State Legislature removed five references to human caused climate change from the K-12 science standards. The Weather Channel called these the "least adequate science standards in the country with regard to climate change."
“Students statewide have a right to learn about climate change, regardless of their school district leadership,” said Casey Mattoon, Conservation Program Manager at the Idaho Sierra Club. “Failure to pass comprehensive science standards that include references to climate change caused by human behaviour will negatively impact students by leaving them ill-equipped to confront the coming changes to Idaho’s agriculture, fire seasons, activity, water, wildlife, recreation and the economy. “
Students in Boise have spoken, now the only question is if we and our leaders will answer the call.
