Global Youth Tackles Climate Change

Climate change is a global issue, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. A partnership between two schools from India and the United States allowed the opportunity for students to research how climate change affects their countries and what they can do to help. During the end of semester Live Class, students displayed the unstoppable energy of youth in tackling one of the planet’s most critical issues. 

A science class from Portland, Oregon focused on the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in their country. Their presentations explored the impact of climate change on hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. Emphasis was placed on how rising sea levels cause an increase of severe hurricanes which unfortunately cannot be reversed. American students didn’t stop at the alarming fact, information was added to how we can use rising sea levels to our advantage. “Sea level rise cannot be reversed but we can use the water to help endangered species, put out wildfires and droughts, and freeze [the water] for transporting medicine and food.” These students brought to life the challenges their country faces, illustrating how citizens can be prepared for these inevitable natural disasters in order to overcome them. 

Meanwhile, their counterparts in India provided a vivid account of climate change’s effects in their own country. While they also touched on the prevention of wildfires and rising sea levels, their presentations expanded to include issues unique to their region, such as prolonged droughts, worsening air pollution, and heatwaves. The students shared government initiatives to address these issues while also informing their peers on relevant solutions for citizens to get involved. While work and school schedule adjustments and healthcare interventions during a heatwave can mitigate short-term effects, avoiding cutting down trees will be more impactful in the long run. Students painted a clear picture of solutions to show how climate change is threatening lives and livelihoods across diverse landscapes.

Through this exchange, the students deepened their understanding of global climate issues while demonstrating the importance of science in fostering solutions. The principal from Oregon remarked, “I want to highlight the importance of open and honest conversations about the state of our natural world, and about the collective responsibility we share in protecting it for future generations. These discussions remind us that no matter where we come from, we are all connected through the challenges and opportunities our planet presents.” Their discussions underscored the urgency of collective action and the unique ability of young people to bring fresh ideas and energy to the fight against climate change. Events like this synchronous virtual exchange remind us that empowering the next generation with knowledge and opportunities for collaboration is key to building a sustainable future.

#IVECA #ClimateChange #VirtualExchange #GCED #InterculturalCompetence

Coming Together for Change in the USA and Korea

After months of communicating through IVECA’s online exchange platform, students from  Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, New York and Noeun High School in Daejeon, South Korea met face to face in a virtual conference, celebrating their global friendship and collaboration. With excited smiles and eager waves to one another, the students and their teachers embarked on the final leg of their IVECA journey by sharing their research, insights and solutions for Challenges in Our Countries.

Throughout their exchange, the students engaged in collaborative research in their classrooms focused on identifying and addressing cross-sector problems in their countries. By focusing on how global issues impact local communities, students used Sustainable Development Goals to reflect on topics such as water and environmental pollution, social inequalities, and renewable energy.

Students joining from New York shared their personal experiences of working together to protect and improve their local environment. By witnessing the damage caused by improper waste disposal and lack of recycling efforts in their local town, students were inspired to take action by participating in local river clean-up programs and spreading awareness in their area under the guidance of their teachers Ms. Watson and Ms. Thomas. Through regularly taking part in river garbage collection and environmental activism, Alexander Hamilton students demonstrate how young people can make a difference. Students proposed solutions to the water pollution and waste disposal that were varied and inspired. From creating garbage patrol officer routes and developing pollution reporting apps, to working with local organizations and investing in waste processing robotics, the US students were unified in their determination. “One in three people on earth do not have access to clean water,” shared one student. “Our generation can change this!” 

Korean students also shared the passionate dedication for inspiring peers in their country, diving into interconnected challenges and cross-sector solutions. Exploring multiple issues in their regions, the students also emphasized the need for more proactive participation in creating solutions. One group explored the significance of renewable energy, explaining that reducing the cost of sustainable energy resources is essential. Other students shared their research on equality in employment fields and the impact it has on economic growth as well as the social inequities felt throughout their local and national communities. Korean students demonstrated the undeniable connections between each of these issues and the significant roles they all play in achieving the UN SDGs. Guided by their teacher, Ms. Yi, Korean students shared impactful and actionable solutions which have the potential to create a better future for all.

Reflecting on each other’s research and innovative solutions, students shared a sense of unity across countries. Korean students noted the similarities between the two schools’ aspirations. “The solutions we shared [are different] but the commonalities are community participation and collaboration.” Perfectly summarizing how all felt by the session’s end, one US student wished her partners farewell, “Connecting with all of you helped us grow as individuals, which made us more understanding and more prepared for our future.”

#IVECA  #GlobalCitizenship  #SDGs  #Sustainability  #VirtualExchange #LiveClass #GlobalFriendship #GlobalChallenges #EnvironmentalActivitsm #SocialInequalities

Elementary Students Create New Green Cities

The excitement between American and Peruvian elementary students felt palpable on December 12th for an animated Live Class to share their visions of sustainable urban development. Through the curriculum, New Green Cities Worldwide, students from California and Peru stepped into the roles of architects, scientists, and environmental experts, reimagining their cities as greener, healthier, and more inclusive spaces. This cross-cultural collaboration highlighted the innovative spirit and shared commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change and urban inequality.

Students began the session by introducing their cities and presenting their strengths and areas for improvement. From bustling streets and diverse neighborhoods to challenges like air pollution, limited public spaces, and traffic congestion, participants painted a vivid picture of urban life in their countries. The discussion then turned to brainstorming solutions, with students leveraging their creativity to envision green cities prioritizing clean energy, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and vibrant green spaces.

The highlight of the session was the presentation of green city designs. Students showcased detailed maps and scale models illustrating how solar panels and wind turbines would power their cities. Accessible, public transport and bike lanes would reduce congestion while parks would serve as an oasis of clean air and community connection. Some groups went further, crafting catchy mottos to represent their green cities' identities, such as "Urbs Viridis in Aeternum" in Latin, which means “The Green City Forever” and sharing insightful messages such as "The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth."

Reflecting on the IVECA experience, a student from the USA shared, "My classmates loved reading your writings and projects. Besides learning that we have many things in common, such as sports, video games, that we like to spend time with our family, and listen to music. It is wonderful to be here today, to meet you all and learn about your new green cities." A Peruvian student added, “I would like to tell you that I am happy to have met you and to have conversed in a language different from mine, it is part of learning along my path and that I will continue to improve every day.”

The Live Class culminated in a shared sense of accomplishment and global solidarity. By working together to tackle real-world issues, these students revealed their passion and commitment to engaging in collective action for a brighter future. Through this session, IVECA continues to empower the next generation of global citizens to think critically, act responsibly, and build bridges across cultures for a healthier and more equitable world.

#IVECA #NewGreenCities #SDGs #VirtualExchange #InterculturalCompetence #GlobalCitizenship