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Youth Lead Churches to Greener Futures
26 Jul
Summary
- Young people interned at local churches to foster environmental action.
- Projects included energy audits, pollinator gardens, and educational camps.
- Youth aim to inspire congregations to advocate for stronger climate policies.
Young individuals involved in the United Church of Canada's Climate Motivator program are actively implementing environmental solutions in churches across Waterloo region and Guelph. These participants completed an eight-week internship, focusing on motivating congregations toward eco-friendly actions.
Projects varied, including Lucas Shin's energy audit for St. Luke's United Church in Cambridge to propose greener lighting and heating. Esther Hope Pridmore established a pollinator garden at Dublin Street United Church in Guelph, fostering local bee populations and inspiring congregants to create their own gardens.
Amber Culley focused on education at Forest Hill United Church in Kitchener, developing a summer camp for children and drafting materials for environmental services. These services involved congregants in writing letters to local MPs advocating for robust federal climate policies, such as increased solar panel investment and clean energy initiatives.
The program has instilled hope in the youth regarding Canada's environmental future, despite concerns about climate change impacts like wildfires. They are inspired by the dedication of others involved in climate action, seeing it as a crucial step towards preserving nature for future generations.
