Students Spur Activism, Participate in Global Climate Strike
Groton’s Sustainability Committee successfully raised awareness about climate change and inspired activism September 20, bringing students together to take part in the global climate strike.
The committee encouraged students to gather in the Forum ten minutes before the end of second period to watch video footage from strikes all over the world—from Australia to Europe to North America—followed by videos of Greta Thunberg and other activists calling for mobilization against climate change.
The committee encouraged students to gather in the Forum ten minutes before the end of second period to watch video footage from strikes all over the world—from Australia to Europe to North America—followed by videos of Greta Thunberg and other activists calling for mobilization against climate change.
The influx of students to the Forum steps showed that many Groton students care about climate change and want to learn more. Along with videos that talked about the threat facing the warming earth, Sustainability Committee Co-Head Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld '21 described ways students could contribute to the movement, urging them first to stay engaged. "Learn the science; pay attention to shifts in policy, updated projections, and current developments," she said.
Her second point was to start small: among her suggestions, to eat less meat, reject plastic water bottles, buy food at the supermarket (not online), and turn off lights. She also encouraged her listeners to think big, reminding them that Groton students motivated the school's upcoming solar array. Finally, acknowledging the greater power of elected officials, she told students to "get political" by calling Congressmen and voting. "Vote for people who are committed to the future of the earth," Zoe said.
Her second point was to start small: among her suggestions, to eat less meat, reject plastic water bottles, buy food at the supermarket (not online), and turn off lights. She also encouraged her listeners to think big, reminding them that Groton students motivated the school's upcoming solar array. Finally, acknowledging the greater power of elected officials, she told students to "get political" by calling Congressmen and voting. "Vote for people who are committed to the future of the earth," Zoe said.
Beyond conference period, discussion about the climate flowed into class discussions, such as in John Capen’s English class and Julie Keeling’s math class. And at 6:00 p.m., the Sustainability Committee held an open meeting to discuss concerns and ideas for how Groton students, and the school as a whole, can work toward a more sustainable community.
Despite their busy schedules, many students showed up eager to talk. They suggested simple efforts, such as replacing plastic bagel wrappers and ice cream cups, but they also shared more creative and large-scale ideas, such as a reusable water bottle decorating night, to encourage students to use reusable bottles; potential uses of anaerobic digesters; finding more sustainable cleaning solutions; and giving a chapel talk.
Although it’s a serious task to take on, Groton students have shown that they are dedicated to sustainability in both their personal lives and in their community. Sustainability Committee Co-Head Addison Hyde '21 remarked, “We are entering a world with no precedent. We cannot wait longer to act.” And Groton students are not.—Caroline Wilcox '20
Photo by Annabel Kocks '20
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