2024 brings promise that all generations will work together for common goals. Whether it is by developing ideas around climate change adaptation, improving the health of our cities, or identifying areas of improvement for our municipal government, we know that youth can be pivotal components of change.
Nineteen Peterborough youth, all enrolled in the Youth Leadership in Sustainability (YLS) program this past fall, were invited to answer the question: “What is your green wish for Peterborough for 2024?”.
A clear consensus was drawn around six different topics, in no particular order of significance, for improving sustainability in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Creating an accessible climate conversation for all
There was an expressed desire for the discourse and action surrounding climate change initiatives to be accessible to the entire community.
“One thing I love in sustainability is community, and the collaboration between community members.” – Joah
“I wish that schools in Peterborough would implement more de-stigmatizing climate education programs, to improve our sense of community. To make busing more accessible, and increase popularity of small businesses, are some examples which allow for our community to be able to act on climate change.”- Rayne
Increased access to renewables and unique housing solutions
The YLS youth spoke to a wish that falls in line with global commitments to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Not only that, but students wished for new and existing buildings (including schools) to include infrastructure like green roofs, rain gardens, and renewable energies.
“We need better use of energy and getting energy from green sources, such as hydro and solar.” – Dawson
“I wish to see more solar power throughout the city. I want it to be accessible. I wish to see solar be the norm.” – Sunny
“I would like to see government incentives and contracts for green home renovations as well as renewable energy production.” – Tanner
Conscious and conscientious consumerism
Another priority was very clear: Peterborough holds pride in keeping things local, and our youth want to keep that alive. They see it as a worthwhile sustainability effort that reduces waste, and transportation emissions.
“I wish to see more people become conscientious consumers and stay as local as possible.” – Lucía
“I want to see more people trying to recycle, and to thrift their clothes.” – Kenzie
Development of more green transportation infrastructure
Cycleways, electric buses, more bus routes and more accessible transit bus passes were also on the “Wish List” for 2024.
“Imagine if we had electric buses in all our schools and electric city buses. We have so many schools. It would lower our carbon emissions significantly.” – Jaina
“I would love for Peterborough to have bus-only lanes so there is less traffic and it will encourage people to take transit.” – Averie
“We need more bike lanes that are protected. We need electric school buses” – Piravinth
“I would love to see people out walking, biking, and taking public transit instead of driving, and I hope to see more people out doing it.” – Rowan
Taking our waste management system to the next level
Peterborough’s green bin and clear gag program were just the beginning for Peterborough youth. Their green wishes included an expansion of the program, to allow for food waste to be collected from businesses and schools, in addition to an ambitious goal for all of Peterborough to be free of single-use plastic waste.
“I think our school should have better composting system.” – Arianna
“I would like to see my school put an emphasis on composting as a way to improve its waste management plan.” – Nick
Improving sustainability education in our community
The YLS program is an application-based, fall semester course for Grade 11 and 12 students across the region. The program encourages active participation in community projects and education opportunities centred around sustainability and community.
This cohort expressed an overwhelming wish for more programs like these to stretch across all age groups, and outside of the classroom walls.
“My wish is to improve sustainability education specifically on what we can do, especially in schools. We need to get them thinking and to pass on knowledge, especially in the climate crisis.” – Jacob
“I would love to see my school starting a program like YLS, one that gets students actively involved in real world issues and teaches us how to live healthfully, sustainably, and how to lead with that knowledge.” – Josie
“I would like to see climate education deeply embedded in our classrooms — inside and outdoors.” – Anonymous
Perhaps, while setting intentions for the 2024, these answers can help inform the decisions made to improve environmental resilience in our community.
Youth Leadership in Sustainability is a Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board program in partnership with Trent University, the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), and Fleming College. This article was written with support from the Youth Leadership in Sustainability class, as well as founder of YLS and teacher/coordinator Cameron Douglas, and GreenUP program coordinator of educational programs Karen O’Krafka.
Thank you to the YLS students (December 2023 cohort): Josie Wilcox, Lucía Fuentes, Rowan Irwin, I.B., Nicholas (Nick) Kirkpatrick, Tanner Harris Barton, Sunny Woodcroft, Kenzie Dunn, Rayne Froggatt, Joah Gillam, Averie Hayes, Piravinth Logeswaran, Dawson Gillespie, V.B., Jacob Lefebvre, Arianna Kloosterman, R.F., K.C., and Jaina Picken.
