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Five members of the Harvey Middle School Environmental Club attended the Youth Climate Summit at the Garrison Free Union School in Garrison, New York, May 17. The goal of the summit "is for students to foster connections - with nature, with themselves, and with each other - and to enable students to turn climate anxiety into climate action."

Harvey science teacher Marcie. Hajem was thrilled to attend the event which interested her five students - Isolda '29, Aoife '29, Senna '29, Vivienne '28, and Elizabeth '28. The day began with presentations from Garrison High School students who shared their independent learning projects which featured topics such as planting pollinator-friendly gardens to promote sustainable life and reduce water waste, and understanding the harmful effects of PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances).

Following the presentations, Harvey students had the opportunity to participate in various engaging workshops. They explored green architectural design, discovering innovative ways to create eco-friendly buildings. The upcycled fashion workshop showcased how to transform old materials into new, stylish items, promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. In the marine conservation workshop, students learned the importance of protecting our oceans from pollution and overfishing.

The day concluded with an exploration of the local forest ecology. Students took a hike to learn about native and invasive species found in their backyards, gaining a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our natural world.

Overall, the Youth Climate Summit demonstrated the earth's essential role in our lives and how each of us is connected to it.