Cape Ann is getting an expansion of environmental awareness this year, as local non-profit organization TownGreen teams up with GHS Health Youth Advisory Council for a local Climate Change Impact project. The project brings together many other student groups as well, such as Cape Ann Green Teams. In addition to Gloucester High School, Rockport and Manchester high schools are also receiving a $750 stipend for materials for the project.
This program is expected to run from October to April but is open to new members at any time. Around April or March, the three teams will present their project at the Cape Ann Green Team Climate Summit through poster, slide show, or written report. Meetings take place once a week during lunch in room 1212.
Maureen Alyward, the executive director of TownGreen, is a facilitator of this project and a leader in the meetings. “[Maureen] is very knowledgeable on the topic and has a lot of things to add and expand on,’ student contributor Sam Pallazolla said. “If somebody brings up something such as icebergs melting she will further explain the effects, why it’s happening, and how to potentially stop it.”
With this project TownGreen aims to address the impacts of climate change in a meaningful way with students. While not directly involved in the project, student involvement is still paramount in other aspects. “You can have a voice through local policy,” Alyward said.
Pallazolla wants to encourage his peers to join the Climate Change Project.
“We live here so it matters how we affect the climate,” Pallazolla said. “It directly impacts their lives. It changes the way they have to go about their day to day life. It’s important to take care of the environment we live in, so I wanted to join to contribute.”
If you’re interested in joining or want to learn more, ask a staff member at the Health Center in room 1213. Don’t have the time this year? Not a problem, the project will repeat for the 2024-2025 school year.
