My name is Jaden Hill and I am a sophomore at Middlebury College. The school recently announced Energy2028, an innovative approach to the climate crisis. This plan involves a transition to 100% renewable energy, a 25% reduction in campus heating and electric consumption, financial divestment from fossil fuels, and integration into student learning and experiences. From this campaign, I was inspired to explore and celebrate the creative responses to climate change ongoing in the larger community. Please enjoy these individuals’ stories below.
Fran Putnam is a Weybridge community member, former teacher, and climate activist. She represents an admirable example of a citizen activist working on personal and political climate initiatives.
Megan Brakeley is the food and garden educator at Middlebury’s sustainable garden, the Knoll. She uses food as a medium to foster connection between people, place, and the planet. Her educational and agricultural work introduces garden guests to environmental citizenship and land stewardship.
Marc Lapin is a systems thinker, educator, and Buddhist practitioner. He brings contemplative practices into his teaching philosophy to highlight the radical interdependence of all phenomena. This work seeks to heal humankind’s relationship with the natural world.
Myron Selleck has operated Middlebury’s biomass plant since its opening in 2009. His work is integral for sustainably powering and heating the campus to accomplish the school’s energy goals. His story represents an innovative technological solution to the climate crisis.
This project was an incredible opportunity to hear from individuals leading in political, agricultural, educational, spiritual, philosophical, and technological solutions to the climate crisis. It can be scary contending with our environmental realities, but I hope these stories filled you with inspiration and hope. Thanks for listening and get involved in Energy 2028 today!
Energy2028: Sustainability Stories 