Youth Climate Action Event Empowers Local Leaders and Sparks Community Engagement
On September 28th, the annual Youth Climate Action Event, sponsored by the Innosphere, brought together young leaders in Old Town Square for a day of learning, action, and community building. The event, designed to inspire youth to take meaningful steps in addressing climate change, featured volunteer work with local nonprofits, educational workshops, and leadership development opportunities.
The day began with an inspiring keynote from Jacob VanderRoest, a PhD student at Colorado State University, who shared his experiences from the COP28 climate conference. VanderRoest emphasized the power of local action in contributing to global climate solutions, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose.
High school senior and passionate climate activist Stella Corzine also spoke, encouraging her peers to advocate for climate literacy in education. Corzine’s relatable and motivational message inspired participants to see how they, too, could make a difference in their communities. Participants volunteered with local nonprofits and contributed hands-on work to advance community-driven environmental initiatives. The event also featured a career and activity fair, where organizations climate related career opportunities. Participants engaged in activities ranging from water conservation workshops to discussions on effective communication with elected officials. The day concluded with a roundtable discussion, facilitated by the Sustainable Living Association, where participants created personal action plans based on the Association’s community-based impact model. They exchanged ideas with graduate students, reflected on their experiences, and set goals for future climate action and community engagement.
“By providing educational opportunities like this we are empowering youths with knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility that enables them to take meaningful actions against climate change,” said Kellie Falbo, Executive Director of the Sustainable Living Association. “This cultivates a generation that is informed, engaged, and committed to creating a sustainable and resilient future.”
Brian Johnston, Workforce Director of the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, powered by Innosphere, emphasized the importance of engaging young leaders: “The Youth Climate Action Event isn’t just about today—it’s about equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and passion to lead the fight for climate resilience. These young people are the future workforce that will continue to push forward our efforts to create a more sustainable, climate-resilient world.”
The Youth Climate Action Event highlighted the collective power of youth, community organizations, and sustainability leaders in tackling the climate crisis. By combining inspiration, education, and hands-on involvement, the event empowered attendees to become active leaders in their communities, poised to drive meaningful environmental change.