Montgomery County, Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to Host Virtual Climate Youth Town Hall for Students on Thursday, Feb. 11

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 8, 2021

Students in Montgomery County public and private schools and at Montgomery College who are interested in how the County plans to combat the climate emergency can participate in a virtual Climate Youth Town Hall that will start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11. The conversation, via Zoom, about climate action and the County’s Draft Climate Action Plan will be co-hosted by Montgomery County, Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College.

The Climate Youth Town Hall will be an opportunity for students to connect on climate action and provide feedback on the Draft Climate Action Plan. The plan is the County’s strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and by 100 percent by 2035. The 87 climate actions outlined in the plan lay the path to achieving the County’s ambitious climate goals while building a healthy, equitable and resilient community.

The virtual town hall is open to all, although it is primarily geared toward high school and college students. Those interested in attending the town hall can register here.   

The Climate Youth Town Hall will feature a panel of students and will include multiple breakout sessions. Participants can provide input and perspective on climate action and also will have the opportunity to share information about their schools’ climate initiatives.  

“Today’s students are our future leaders and they should play an important role in the fight against climate change,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “It is critical to include young people in the climate planning process and hear their thoughts on climate action.”  

Lynne Zárate, director of MCPS’s new Division of Sustainability and Compliance, said: “MCPS is excited about this opportunity for our high school students to take an active part in reviewing and providing input to the County’s Draft Climate Action Plan in this Town Hall. Student voice and student action will continue to help MCPS innovate towards a more sustainable future.”

DeRionne Pollard, president of Montgomery College, said: “The Climate Youth Town Hall is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage around a pressing issue of our time. Including student voices in the climate action plan’s feedback connects them with outcomes and allows them to contribute to the important fight against climate change.”

The Draft Climate Action Plan is available for public review and comment through the end of February. The plan will be finalized in the spring 2021.

The County will host additional virtual sessions on the Draft Climate Action Plan in February. For upcoming sessions, see the listing of Upcoming Climate Events.

For more information about the Draft Climate Action Plan and to provide feedback on the Draft Plan, visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/climate.

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Release ID: 21-095
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Environment