Photos courtesy Vermont Natural Resources Council.
Vermont Business Magazine Hundreds of students from across Vermont gathered at the State House to demand bold climate action from lawmakers. According to the Vermont Natural Resources Council, these young Vermonters made it clear that they believe the state cannot afford continued delay on climate action if we want to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
“Our role is important. We are not powerless. We are the powerful reminder of the next generation - of who exactly our leaders are failing. Who they must do better for. We will be present constantly to remind our leaders of this," said Miriam Serota-Winston, freshman at Montpelier High School.
“The Affordable Heat Act…is such a strong step in the right direction, providing affordable and sustainable heating options, to help slow down our quickly heating climate. We can’t fix our climate if only the privileged people have access to the tools to be more sustainable, and we need to start making our climate action, actions of justice and equality, and not just about money,” said Janelle Hoskins, junior at Harwood Union High School.
Eliza Doucet, junior at Mt. Abraham Union High School shared, “I remember spending summers at my aunt’s house on a lake in Maine, listening to the wondrous calls of loons. According to the Vermont government, within the next 25 years, these loons will be gone as the effects of climate change continue to worsen. They are at risk of being another loss to the devastation we are facing. The devastation we failed to prevent.”
The Rally for the Planet was a powerful demonstration of the determination and passion of young Vermonters to fight for a better future – for themselves and for the future generations. The youth organizers shared that they hope that this event helps other young people to feel empowered to act, and that legislators will listen to their voices and act on climate change.
The Vermont Youth Lobby is a non-partisan coalition of young Vermonters who are dedicated to promoting policies that protect the environment and create a sustainable future for all. They work to empower young people to become active citizens and advocate for environmental justice.
Source: 4.14.2023. Montpelier, VT - Vermont Youth Lobby, Vermont Conservation Voters. Vermont Natural Resources Council
