Professional skier Meg Olenick spoke about the impact of climate change at Paul Revere Middle School on Feb. 19 to more than 2,000 students – all of whom are currently experiencing the effects of one of the worst droughts in California history.
Olenick is part of a program called Hot Planet, Cool Athletes that brings professional athletes to speak to young people about the effects of climate change. By sharing their passion for the outdoors and the importance of protecting it, high-profile athletes work to educate and energize the next generation to lead the fight against climate change.
Photo: Barbara Weber
“I’ve been so excited to join this organization in encouraging young people to think about how they are impacting climate change. There are so many small things, like recycling, using less water, that seem minor but kids can do to make a difference,” Olenick said. “As the next generation, it’s really important they learn to care about this issue – and it’s exciting to see that so many do.”
Hot Planet, Cool Athletes is one of the programs supported by Palisades-based non-profit Protect Our Winters, featured in the Post on Nov. 6, 2014. Since 2011, POW has worked with 25,000 young students, teaching them to care for their environment and inspiring them to take action.
A key component of POW’s mission is ensuring the next generation is educated and energized to lead the fight against climate change. In partnership with The North Face, Clif Bar and MEC, this program focuses on middle and high school students, leveraging the power of a pro athlete to inspire and motivate kids.
“These athletes come to us because they care and that’s the beauty of it. Their voices are really powerful and kids are much more inclined to act when they see these guys in support of our work,” POW’s executive director Chris Steinkamp told the Post. “A big part of what we do is teaching kids about the importance of climate change. We want to get them outside so they can see what we’re talking about.”
Olenick delivered an impactful multimedia presentation, sharing her own experiences witnessing climate change first hand, while educating students with the latest climate science. The assembly wrapped with an inspirational call to action and the opportunity for students to put their big climate-fighting ideas into action through an annual grant program.
Visit www.protectourwinters.org for more information.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
