Meet the High School Innovators Tackling Climate Change in Denver: How Young Minds are Shaping a Sustainable Future

Denver is heating up. Urban areas, especially those with little greenery, are feeling it the most. These neighborhoods turn into “heat islands,” where temperatures soar even higher. Experts believe that even if everyone switched to electric cars and solar energy tomorrow, it won’t be enough to stop the rising heat.

Brad Revare, who leads the Neighborhood Resilience Corps, points out that Denver’s landscape is mainly concrete and water-hungry Kentucky Bluegrass. “Our built environment isn’t ready for a hotter, drier world,” he says.

That’s where green infrastructure comes in. We need more trees for shade, green roofs, and better ways to manage rainwater. Programs are now in place to help replace traditional lawns with drought-resistant plants. But there’s a challenge: not enough people are trained for the important work of climate resilience. With support from Denver’s climate office, Revare’s team is working to build that workforce starting with local high school students.

As part of their efforts, students from schools like Northeast Early College and Vista Academy visited the 39th Avenue Greenway, a park designed for flood control. During their field trip, planners explained concepts like stormwater management. “When rain hits pavement, it carries pollutants into the rivers,” they said, showing how green infrastructure can help.

Historically, this area was once a river surrounded by grass. But over the years, it was paved over, leading to flooding problems. Recently, engineers restored the canal with plants that naturally clean the water before it flows back into the Platte River. Colin Bell, a city engineer, emphasized the importance of this project, saying, “We’re realizing that nature was right all along.”

As for job opportunities, a report by the World Economic Forum suggests that millions of roles in climate resilience will emerge in the coming years. During their site visits, students learned about eco-friendly practices, including hydroponics and aquaponics at Colorado State University’s Spur research center. “They use fish poop to grow plants!” one student exclaimed, capturing the group’s attention.

The students also explored Denver’s community gardens, which help reduce heat and promote local food sources. Lead volunteer Rebecca Peeble shared insights about growing food and the profound joy that comes from tending to plants. “You develop a connection with the food, and it tastes better,” she explained.

The visits sparked important conversations. A survey revealed that about two-thirds of young people feel anxious about climate change. Students like Angel mentioned that while they learned a lot about climate challenges, they also saw various paths to solutions. “It’s good to know there are many ways to improve things,” he said.

Moreover, a growing interest in environmental careers among youth is evident. Many students expressed a desire to explore fields that align with their interests and can positively impact the community.

Through these programs, students are not just learning concepts—they’re seeing firsthand the dedication within their community to fight climate change. They’re inspired by local leaders passionate about creating a greener future. The Neighborhood Resilience Corps aims to continue this momentum, offering training programs and apprenticeships to empower young individuals to contribute meaningfully to climate resilience.