Flight Crew interns paddling in Ellis Bay, along the Mississippi River
I am Herriyah, and I want to go into the field of law. I am Savannah, and I want to go into international relations. I am Simon and I want to go into aerospace engineering. I am Eric, and I want to go be a wildlife biologist. I am Baily, and I want to be a naturalist. I am Davia, and I want to be a registered nurse. I am Damiyah, and I want to be a cosmetologist. I am Ali, and I want to be an ornithologist. I am Taylor, and I want to be a real estate agent. I am An, and I want to be a sports medicine doctor.
To each of us, defining what a climate leader is and our reasoning for being a climate leader ends up being pretty much the same. It’s someone who actively and justifiably acts upon instinct in order to renew and adapt to environmental changes. Because some people may not know why we should protect nature and the climate, a climate leader is also someone who educates people on what the climate is and why we should protect it.
We plan to incorporate climate leadership in our careers. Herriyah’s choice of law was a no-brainer, due to her desire to serve an active role in both her community and environment. Savannah’s field of international relations was one that inspired her to search for knowledge amongst different cultures and ensure international environmental protection. With a future career in aerospace engineering, Simon’s end goal is to ensure the spread of knowledge regarding ecological change. Eric believes that being a wildlife biologist will allow him to work within the environment in addition to learning how animals and people can properly live with nature without unnecessary damage. As a future registered nurse, Davia believes nursing and nature are intertwined through their impact on the environment, health, and well-being as well as their complementary role of being able to promote both individual and ecological health. To Bailey, the climate and the earth are very important to her. Thus, as a naturalist, she wants to take steps to further educate the public on environmental issues and show them how to be a climate leader. Although Damiyah plans on being a cosmetologist, a job that is usually considered out of the green space, she understands the importance of being a climate leader and has planned accordingly, such as buying animal-friendly products. Ali plans on pursuing ornithology (the study of birds) to sustain bird sanctuaries while educating the public about the vital roles birds play in our daily lives. Taylor plans to use real estate to promote environmental-friendly alternatives to housing while An plans to utilize the environment to supply patients with healthy medical alternatives.
Being a climate leader can come in small steps. Something as small as being mindful of overconsumption and monitoring individual usage of dangerous materials can improve environments. Swapping out things such as plastic cups, utensils, and straws for more ecofriendly options; carpooling to reduce carbon emissions, and engaging in their communities' ecological needs are all ways of being a climate leader.
The impact from successful efforts from climate leaders can be seen at the local level. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recognized former mayor of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson as an exemplary leader in the fight on climate change. Krewson signed the Solar Readiness Board Bill that advanced the use of solar energy in St. Louis. This bill represented the first piece of climate legislation proposed since the City became a recipient of the American Cities Climate Challenge award. Krewson used her role as mayor to lead the public on alternative energy usage. Additionally, Mayor Slay signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. St. Louis earned all of the badges to prove environmental commitment and encourage execution of the environmental plan. Slay also used his role as mayor to educate the public.
Similarly, Flight Crew is an educational summer internship that teaches high school and recent-high school graduates about environmental conservation and restoration. These interns will go on to counsel children and pass their knowledge down to them, including how everyone can be climate leaders. As summer counselors, the interns will strive to be represent climate leadership to their campers in addition to making camp a fun and educational outdoor experience.