Eighty high school students from throughout New Brunswick took part in a two-day summit aimed at engaging youth in the topic of sustainable energy.
The Gaia Project, a charitable organization, brought students and teachers from all over the province for the event which boasted formal activities such as expert panels and breakout sessions as well as some less formal ones such as a scavenger hunt and breakfast at the farmer’s market.
“The real challenge of sustainability lies with our youth and that’s a real opportunity,” George Dashner, Gaia Project Chairman said.
Saturday morning’s panel event brought eight expert speakers who not only spoke to the crowd, but got involved with students, sitting with them and discussing the role they play in the future of sustainable energy.
“It’s really nice talking to the young people and to see their passion,” Dashner said. “There’s no negativity, it’s all positive and they just want to help and do something.”
Fredericton High School’s Rachel Forbes says she’s always been interested in learning how to spread the word about sustainable energy.
“I didn’t really know how I could get that out to students of FHS and around to my friends and the people I know,” she said of bringing awareness to sustainable energy sources. “So I thought this would be a good way to learn opportunities and get that info out there.”
“I think it’s really important that everyone has these kind of views and they start to live in a sustainable way,” Forbes said.
This was the second edition of the Sustainability Summit which The Gaia Project plans to hold as an annual event.
Due to an overwhelming demand this year, some students weren’t able to take part as numbers quadrupled from the previous event.
Organizers hope to include even more students next year.