Niwot High students strike for climate change awareness

The controversial topic of climate change resides at the forefront of Front Range residents' hearts and minds. Living next to the picturesque Rockies, amidst protected open space, and near pristine lakes and reservoirs, we are acutely aware of climate change ramifications. In years with milder winters and less snowfall, farmers, ranchers, firefighters, forest service, hunters, and many others feel the impact in different ways that can affect livelihoods, incomes, and futures.

Some argue that this is a byproduct of earth's natural process and that global temperatures will continue to fluctuate, like they have for millennia before humans left their marks upon the earth. Others believe that modernization, industrialization, lax environmental regulation, and excess consumerism is spurring climate change at alarming rates. These same people also believe that something must be done in order for the next generations to have a viable, safe, fruitful future on this planet.

This past Friday, the international community participated in a global youth climate strike. From London to Berlin to Melbourne to Denver, young and old skipped school and work in an effort to raise awareness for human-induced climate change. Protests, marches, and rallies filled famous squares and weaved through historic streets, drawing others into the fold with chants, signs, and songs.

Denver saw a crowd of 7,500 students and adults turn out on Sept. 20. Protesters met at Union Station and marched up 16th street to the Capitol. Many members from our local community made the trek into downtown to participate. Niwot's anti-fracking group, The Lookout Alliance, has crusaded for stricter environmental regulations regarding oil and gas development for over a year. So far, they've made an impact on Boulder County development and plan to continue educating Niwot and the surrounding area on drilling, fracking, climate change, and more.

Niwot High student, Maya Beauvineau, organized a group of around 20 students from Niwot High to strike from school and make their way to Denver. She also rallied students from Nederland, Fairview, and Longmont High to skip school in support of climate change awareness. In an effort to practice what they preach, Beauvineau and the group took a bus from the Niwot Park and Ride into Boulder, then caught the bus to the protest.

Beauvineau first became interested in environmental activism after she met 16-year-old Marlow Baines, a climate crusader working with Boulder-based Earth Guardians. Since then, Beauvineau has participated in various climate change events, including a teach-in hosted by The Lookout Alliance, on Sept. 21. "I had been really wanting to get involved and stand up for the earth because I live in Colorado, which is a gorgeous state. I'm inspired to protect the environment here." She doesn't know what the future holds quite yet but knows she sees environmental activism in her future. "I know that I feel more empowered when I'm with other people and we go take action directly."

Rallies to raise awareness for climate change will continue to crop up around our environmentally conscious state. In addition, The Lookout Alliance is gearing up to host more events throughout the rest of the year. Stay up to date and learn how to get involved at https://www.facebook.com/lookoutallianceboulder/.