Despite Federal Climate Denial, Colorado Kids Inspire Hope for a Sustainable Future

CARBONDALE — On a sunny May afternoon, 70 kids from 24 towns in Colorado gathered at the Third Street Center in Carbondale. They explored various ways to tackle climate change, all while enjoying the blooming crab apple blossoms.

At the “Bioregionalism” station, they learned about watersheds from The Center for Human Flourishing. The “Solar Energy in Action” station showcased how solar panels work, thanks to SoL Energy LLC and Ken Olson. At the Carbondale Bike Project booth, kids pedaled bicycles to generate energy. They even discovered the wonders of composting with Alyssa Reindel from EverGreen Zero Waste.

One young participant, Mary Fernandez from St. Mary’s Academy, sat captivated as Reindel shared insights on composting. Mary raised her hand, curious if greenhouses were linked to greenhouse gases. Her question highlighted the knowledge and awareness among the attendees, as many were well-informed about climate issues.

Sarah Johnson, an environmental educator and founder of Wild Rose Education, organized the summit to foster connections among students from different backgrounds. She urged them to be brave in the face of political challenges regarding climate issues. Johnson emphasized that while the climate crisis is often viewed as a scientific problem, it ultimately revolves around people.

Current political attitudes in the U.S. reflect considerable resistance to climate change action. President Donald Trump’s administration has rolled back numerous environmental protections and dismissed climate change as a hoax. “If the climate crisis was a scientific issue, we would have solved it decades ago,” Johnson noted, reinforcing the need for collective action.

Statistics from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warn that we are nearing a critical tipping point in global temperatures. These changes could result in severe disasters, affecting ecosystems and human health. Failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a recipe for disastrous consequences, as outlined by reports from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

For many young attendees, the weight of climate change can lead to feelings of anxiety and despair. Yet, the summit aimed to shift that narrative toward hope and action. Johnson encouraged participants to engage with their communities, emphasizing that connection breeds strength. “The world is troubled because of disconnections,” she asserted. “Use this opportunity to form bonds that can lead to real change.”

Yet, the path to meaningful climate education in Colorado remains rocky. Mary Seawell, CEO of Lyra Colorado, pointed out that many schools lack standardized climate education. As a response, Lyra introduced the Colorado Seal of Climate Literacy, an endorsement for students who demonstrate understanding of climate change principles.

Momentum is building for climate education in the state, with Denver and Boulder School Districts already implementing the Seal. Seawell mentioned ongoing efforts to refine science standards to better integrate climate science, ensuring young students are prepared to address these critical issues.

Date-driven discussions at the summit involved students actively advocating for climate action. Tilly Testa and Rylan Neumann, leaders from Fairview High School’s chapter of the Sunrise Movement, emphasized the power of youth voices in debates on climate policy. Tilly stressed to her peers that they hold significant sway in discussions about their futures. “Young people do have the power,” she said passionately.

During the summit, students worked on practical solutions for environmental issues during workshops led by experts. They collaborated to create plans addressing sustainability and climate literacy. Sessions focused on developing a Climate Action Plan and finding pathways to jobs in sustainable fields.

The summit concluded with discussions about challenges in implementing climate curricula in schools. Students voiced concerns about sensitive topics like health education and sought strategies to introduce these subjects respectfully in their communities. They learned the importance of data-driven arguments in discussions with school boards to advocate for educational reforms.

Despite political barriers, efforts like the Colorado Youth Climate Summit continue to inspire hope and action among young people. They recognize that while challenges are daunting, collective determination can lead to meaningful change for a sustainable future.

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