Over 100 young individuals from across North Carolina gathered in Durham this past weekend for the fourth annual North Carolina Youth Climate Summit, hosted by the Museum of Life and Science. The summit aims to empower youth to engage in climate action and advocacy.
The event featured a series of workshops, motivational speakers, and interactive discussions. Participants had the opportunity to engage with Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and Jennifer Mundt, Assistant Secretary for Clean Energy Economic Development, discussing local and state-level climate initiatives.
Attendee Mirian Masamb expressed optimism about the growing recognition of climate issues, stating, “I think it is starting to be taken seriously, although there are some people who unfortunately do not believe that climate change is real or that the climate crisis is not happening. But I think we’ve gained over time and are starting to be taken seriously.”
The summit concluded on Monday, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provided participants with tools and strategies to implement climate action within their communities.
This gathering reflects a broader trend of youth involvement in climate advocacy, aligning with global movements where young people are increasingly at the forefront of environmental activism. Events like this underscore the importance of empowering the next generation to address climate challenges.
