On November 9th and 10th, 2009, close to two hundred youth, faculty, and administrators from high schools and colleges throughout the North Country met at The Wild Center for the first Adirondack Youth Climate Summit.  They explored climate change, its effect on the Adirondacks, and planned ways in which they could reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at their schools.

This summit was the first of its kind in North America and originally the idea of Zachary Berger, a 2009 graduate of Lake Placid High School.  Zachary contacted Jen Kretser at the Wild Center in early 2009.

“I was amazed, after Zach approached me, at the level of interest among our Adirondack students in the issue of climate change and how the economics of it affects the place they call home,” said Jen Kretser. “Planning meetings were full of students with tons of ideas.  When we had to create a waiting list for the Summit, I knew we had hit on something big.  The interest and dedication of the student is an inspiration and a sign of real hopefulness in our future.”

You’ll see what Jen’s talking about in the following audio slide show from the second day of the summit – November 10th, 2009.  Featured speaker Dominic Frongillo shares his experiences as an international youth delegate to the United Nations Climate Talks in Bali, Team Newcomb puts together a climate action plan for their school, Celeste Bickford explains the emotions of seeing an idea blossom into reality, and the Adirondack youth showcase their plans for reducing carbon emissions during the closing session of the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit.  (For best viewing – especially if you’re using the full screen option – allow the slide show to load fully before pressing the play button. This could take up to a minute for some connections.)

Audio Slide Show Produced by Kinna Ohman. Photographs by Kinna Ohman and the Adirondack Youth Climate Photo Team members: Emily Sheft and Megan Borland.