When newly elected governor Tim Walz came to Grand Portage to meet folks Olya Wright took the chance to ask him about his plans to combat climate change. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
Olya Wright, 11, was one of more than 100 young people who attended the Youth Climate Justice Summit held on March 6 at the Good Neighbors Center in St. Paul.
MN Can’t Wait, a youth-led organization that’s working to pass unprecedented statewide climate action in support of the Minnesota Green New Deal, planned the summit.
“The focus of the summit is on mobilizing youth to advocate for climate justice, as well as provide an opportunity for youth to respond to Governor Walz’s plan for carbon-free energy in Minnesota by 2050 during an afternoon legislative panel,” said Wright.
At the summit kids met with their legislators about climate change, participated in interactive sessions on climate justice, and advocated for policies that affect their future. The summit included rallies, workshops, and individual meetings with legislators to advocate for climate action and social justice.
Will Steger gave the introduction prior to the meeting between the kids and the legislators.
Meeting with the MN Can’t Wait youth were Commissioner Laura Bishop, Rep. Acomb, Rep. Boe, Rep. Hornstein, Rep. Long and youth panelists Julianna Deibel, Lia Harel, Katie Shroeer, and Tiger Worku to discuss climate action and connect solutions across legislature and agencies.
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