Conference Leads the Way Toward Climate Action

This story first appeared in Elkhart High School’s ‘The Pennant’ on Sept. 15, 2023.

Climate change has been one of the most pressing challenges facing the United States in recent times. Many are eager to learn more about the topic. Thankfully, conferences and summits are hosted all over northern Indiana to educate those interested. One of those conferences – Climate Leadership Summit 8 – was hosted on Sept. 8.

Geared towards climate activists and city governments, Climate Leadership Summit (CLS) was put on at Indiana University Northwest, in Gary. The Climate Leadership Summit was founded by Earth Charter Indiana (ECI) as a way for state officials, county executives, city employees, and community leaders to prepare for the future with our rapidly changing climate. CLSs have been held all over the state, including Goshen.

[Disclosure: Youth Environmental Press Team is a program of ECI.]

The summit allowed many of regional leaders to gather in one place and discuss environmental concerns in a controlled, public setting. Nancy Moldenhauer, President of Save the Dunes, explained, “Michigan City was lagging behind in the way of sustainability and resilience.” This lack of environmentally friendly action inspired Earth Charter Indiana to start a statewide climate movement. City governments, regional climate groups, businesses, and other organizations have contributed heavily to the success of the Climate Leadership Summit and to climate progress, statewide.

From left to right: Mayor Todd Barton of Crawfordsville, Mayor Sue Lynch of Portage and Brenda Scott Henry, Gary’s Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs, at a CLS panel. Photo by Renee Prejean-Motanky

Although mainly geared towards adult climate activists and city government, ECI also held a youth track hosted by Tatiana Rebelle and Miranda Frausto. Youth are of particular interest as ECI intends on educating the youth about climate change, just as much as they do the community leaders.

While climate change remains a pertinent issue locally, nationally, and globally, conferences like Climate Leadership Summit 8 exist so that community leaders, no matter how young or old, can be involved in the fight against climate change.