by Steve Crowley, VT chapter energy chair
One Covid impact that's been important but quiet - it has really derailed the very active network and momentum for climate action by Vermont’s youth population. But there are signs this is changing, to which we shout, Hooray!
Speaking as a former educator, who regularly brought the science of climate change, or any number of tough environmental challenges, into our curriculum: One thing I learned was that it’s not OK to leave it with students simply learning about these huge social challenges. That’s a recipe for despair, for throwing your hands up and retreating. (Not just for young people!) The answer, I found over and over throughout my career, has been to take the time to also learn about how we as a society manage these challenges, and how we as individuals can find our own place in that process.
Thankfully, Vermont’s young people are starting to find their footing again in the world of climate action.
Last Saturday, Youth Lobby held a well attended gathering on the statehouse lawn. Youth Lobby is the statewide student network that, over the course of 4 years, right up until everything shut down last winter, brought together thousands of Vermont students for climate rallies and climate action. They convened a Climate Congress at the statehouse, where students created a resolution for action that was later hand-delivered to all the legislative committees. I had the pleasure of seeing this presented to the House Energy and Technology Committee, as they worked on the Global Warming Solutions Act. It was a tremendous effort with a tremendous impact.
Saturday’s gathering brought students together from schools all over the state, particularly those who are prepared to become leaders of a rebuilding network. They heard from leaders like Judy Dow sharing the perspective of an indigenous world view, and from Kiah Morris talking about the challenges for climate-displaced people. Standing by our Sierra Club table, I enjoyed sharing what we are doing on climate, but it was much more interesting hearing about their hopes and concerns. Some talked about solar energy, some talked about sustainable agriculture, some about endangered species. But they all get it that we are not doing enough, and that this is a time for urgent action.
I can’t wait to see what this brilliant crowd of young Vermonters comes up with. Our political leaders need to hear from those who inherit the products of our action, or inaction.