By Josh Hildebrand ’22, staff writer
The LVC Environmental Club and College Democrats will host a climate strike on Friday, September 24.
It is well documented that the temperature of Earth has been steadily rising over the past decades. In early August, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Sixth Assessment Report, a report it publishes every six to seven years regarding the rate of climate change as well as response options. The report contained harrowing information about the consequences of the rapid temperature change we are now seeing.
Globally, citizens have spoken out about the report, demanding change for posterity. Ariana Genna is one such citizen. Genna is a junior political science and social justice double major at LVC, with minors in environmental studies, common law and law and society. She is also a member of the LVC Environmental Club and president of the LVC College Democrats.
“I feel so drawn to many social causes, but especially environmental policy,” Genna said. “I need to make it my life’s work.”
The climate strike is in coordination with the 2021 global climate strikes that will be taking place across the world on Sept. 24. Genna, like many others, was disturbed by the IPCC’s findings and felt it best to act.
“We would like to call for an end to the subsidization of the fossil fuel industry and a quicker transition to renewable energy,” Genna said. “We feel that it is necessary for protecting our future.”
The climate strike will take place in the Annville Town Square, directly in front of the Subway, from 4-6 p.m. The LVC Environmental Club and College Democrats will have voter registration forms as well as sign-making supplies for participants.
“I hope with the strike we will bring awareness to environmental issues and let our community know that LVC cares about these issues,” Genna said. “There is a dire need to make swift changes to protect our environment.”
Genna plans on attending graduate school to earn a joint degree, a jurist doctorate and master’s degree in public administration. She hopes to work in environmental lobbying and law.
“My goal is to create policies and programming that can support climate refugees and that can mitigate climate injustice,” Genna said.
Both the Environmental Club and College Democrats hope to continue bringing progression to campus through various events.