My name is Emmy Watson. I am an intern this summer with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC), and an incoming junior at Steamboat Springs High School (SSHS). This summer, my project focused on youth engagement. I hosted an environment-focused volleyball tournament called the Climate Serve Showdown.
It is essential for climate change events and challenges to be addressed through communities for three main reasons: Communities can push the boundaries of what is possible, they have the potential for exponential impact, and they know their environment best.
With a problem as immense as climate change, it is difficult for an individual to make a change or try to spread awareness on their own. This can be because individuals can struggle with overthinking or being afraid to speak out. It is far more likely for a group of people or a community to make an impact and help change a problem. When communities engage, individuals can contribute their efforts, resources, and skills toward a common goal. For example, a community organizing a trash pickup can cover more area compared to a couple of individuals cleaning one area.
High schoolers compete in the Climate Serve Showdown hosted at Howelsen July 17, 2024.
It is no lie that climate change has existed for a while now, meaning it can be difficult for individuals to find a different way of life, and seek change when it is all they know. Climate change is the outcome of economic and social systems which individuals are already habituated to. When communities can unite over a common goal, it allows for creative solutions, resources, and skills. By working together, communities can scale their impact beyond what individuals believe. Allowing for growth and education within communities can expand into future generations, which include future problems and even more creative outlooks. New ideas, events, fundraisers, and more can be brainstormed and allow for larger groups to be recognized rather than just one individual.
“While scientific and global policies are crucial when speaking about climate change, community input and participation are just as important.”
Exponential impact is huge when it comes to climate change and community engagement. According to Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, most people believe that climate change is real, however, they do not know what to do or how to help. Diversity can foster more creative ideas, innovations, and solutions. Different viewpoints can allow for missed information to be seen and accounted for. Not to mention, community engagement can allow for a sense of ownership and commitment to a topic this big. When a community feels more invested in a project, it allows for change to happen at larger and faster rates. By empowering multiple individuals in a community to work towards a common goal it unlocks the potential for change beyond what an individual can accomplish. An example of this is the Climate Serve Showdown volleyball tournament. It included environmental “mini-challenges” meant to connect high schoolers and get them talking about climate change, which will hopefully inspire them to get involved in other climate action projects in the future.
Community members understand the background and needs of their home best. Familiarity with the area allows for knowledge of effective solutions. When individuals engage with other individuals, it improves mutual trust and even credibility. Without the knowledge that community members have, it can often lead to failed solutions and overlook the root problem. While scientific and global policies are crucial when speaking about climate change, community input and participation are just as important. Most communities know best because they are being directly affected by the change and they are the ones who can make a difference.
If you’re a young person looking to get involved in climate action, sign up for YVSC’s Next Generation newsletter for inspiration and updates on local events.
Emmy Watson | 23 August 2024
