Listen to Kristen's story here or...
0 Comments
I would like to represent my climate story via pictures, so please, follow along! 2016 - 2017 Playing in and exploring nature at West Virginia University, I also met people who were passionate about the environment. Fighting against animal cruelty and for animal respect becomes a center pillar of my life, and environmental interest. I take many classes and learn in depth about how climate change and other human driven changes affect plants and animals. I do an internship focused on conservation work. 2018 While working at an assisted living home, I spearheaded getting a recycling program started. 2019 I join the Student Conservation Association, and work with a lot of other young people who care about the environment! I go to Antioch University of New England to get my master’s degree in environmental studies. As part of my job with the Alliance for Youth Climate Leadership, I work with high school students. One group of students are creating an entire podcast, “Change for Change” that talks about environmental issues and how to be sustainable.
The Alliance: Tell us about a time in which you experienced a hopeful climate moment.
Ashley Forwood: I experienced a hopeful climate moment recently when I began to realize how climate is becoming a key topic in many international forums. People are begging to listen to the science and take action in order to keep our human influence within the means of the planet. The fact that there is chatter beginning within that sphere of influence and power makes me hopeful for our future. The Alliance: Tell us about a time when you experienced hope during the climate crisis. Ashley: What makes me hopeful is seeing the world react in a positive, intentional way to those affected by climate disasters worldwide. For example, many people quickly stepped up to donate what they could to help those who were affected by the destructive, discouraging Australian wildfires. I’ve seen this same altruism in response to more local climate disasters too such as hurricanes in the southeastern US or flooding in the northeast. This shows me that more and more people are connecting the dots between climate change and human habits, and that we’re beginning to feel a responsibility to help others and the planet. The Alliance: How has climate change impacted you or your community? Ashley: I’m from the coast of Alabama, and there is a place that separates Mobile Bay from the Gulf of Mexico called Dauphin Island. It houses Fort Gaines, used in the civil war, and there is also a marine sea lab where students can get hands-on experience with marine life. I grew up playing on this island’s beach, but I began to notice that the beach was slowly sinking and shrinking after each destructive hurricane hit - and Dauphin Island is like a hurricane magnet. My parents and their friends grew up on this beach too and always talk about how nice it used to be, and how there’s not much left of it now. Rapid climate change and more frequent and intense hurricanes will soon take Dauphin Island, and with it will go a huge piece of Alabama’s history. The Alliance: How did you become aware of or concerned by the climate crisis? Ashley: I’ve always been aware of the climate crisis, but I didn’t begin to change my own personal habits and lifestyle until I researched it for myself and saw firsthand how it affected people. During my sophomore year of college, I went to Thailand to study sustainable development where I learned the value of traditional knowledge, community, and using natural resources for food, shelter, work, and everything in between. Then, I traveled to Iceland to learn about how we harness the earth’s geothermal and hydroelectric energy to create electricity, power cars, and make everyday life more sustainable. After these two very different experiences, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to climate communication, mitigation, and adaptation to foster awareness and informed choice to aim for a sustainable future. The Alliance: What are you doing or do you want to do to contribute to a better climate future? Ashley: In the future, I’d love to get involved in urban and city planning, regenerative building design, and green and blue infrastructure. I think a lot of what lies in the future is reassessing our built systems to better accommodate both people and planet based on our new values around climate. On a global level, I’m extremely interested in analyzing the potential and possible effects of bringing circular economic principles to developing nations. With this, I’d love to educate populations on the importance of reuse and recycling while providing job opportunities to those in need. The Alliance: What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced in your professional or personal engagement with climate issues? Ashley: In my professional life, I sometimes struggle to visualize what my role in the climate crisis will be. One one hand, there is limitless opportunity because people are just beginning to understand the importance of sustainability and climate professionals. On the other hand, it’s a bit discouraging that there’s no previous information - no paved path - on where to go or how to get involved. The Alliance: What is your vision for what you want a more climate-resilient and climate-friendly future to look like? Ashley: My vision for a climate friendly future has a lot to do with social justice, equity, and inclusivity. Our current systems are embedded in old ideologies that no longer serve the population in a meaningful or helpful way. To shift the paradigm, everyone must be involved from the beginning. My vision is for more understanding, discussion, and most importantly, action. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, yet we have seen youth rise up to the occasion to combat and adapt to the climate crisis. While we know that climate change has and will continue to bring negative impacts, we also know that we have seen and experienced incredible hope and resilience.
That's why we're starting a project to collect climate stories from youth and young adults! Through sharing these stories we seek to inspire and connect young people working to build a better climate future! |