Photo from MMSD
for SL
In 2019, the Madison Metropolitan School District set strong clean energy goals. The school board announced their intention to transition the district to 50% renewable energy by 2030, 75% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. Yet MMSD has made little progress and is in danger of backtracking on its commitments.
Tackling the climate crisis is critical and urgent. As climate change’s dangerous health detriments and devastating natural disasters make headlines across the globe, let’s remember that this crisis is also poised to impact our everyday lives in Wisconsin. The effects threaten our health, safety, economy, food supply, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and wildlife, as well as less serious aspects such as our winter activities and enjoyment of our beautiful lakes. And time is running out to turn things around. It’s too late for more endless conversations or small steps.
Not only must the school board recognize the urgency of the issue and the magnitude of the stakes, but they must also see how important this is to students. West High students have made clear that they care about the climate. During lunch on September 23, the West Green Club circulated a petition urging the school board to “make meeting its clean energy goals (50% by 2030, 75% by 2035, and 100% by 2040) a top priority.” In just 50 minutes, 271 students signed—that’s over one in eight West students.
The October 2022 final report of MMSD’s Comprehensive Energy Plan concluded that, compared to less ambitious options, pursuing the 2019 clean energy goals would both cut the most greenhouse gas emissions and save the most money in the long run. However, the report also stated that meeting the goals “require[s] more funding up front,” and “the type of construction required is complex.”
The board cannot use this as an excuse to back off. They must find creative solutions to achieve 100% renewable energy as soon as possible. The answer is not to put off the work for another decade. The due date for climate action is approaching, and the planet will not accept late work. We need bold efforts now.
The school board has a responsibility to students to get this right. Though the ravaging effects of climate change are already coming into focus, we know that the worst is yet to come, and we as students will be forced to contend with it. The school board is tasked with a challenging mission, but the stakes are too high to back down. Our future is in their hands. They have the power to make an impact in the fight against climate change. Let’s see if they use it.
In 2019, the Madison Metropolitan School District set strong clean energy goals. The school board announced their intention to transition the district to 50% renewable energy by 2030, 75% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. Yet MMSD has made little progress and is in danger of backtracking on its commitments.
Tackling the climate crisis is critical and urgent. As climate change’s dangerous health detriments and devastating natural disasters make headlines across the globe, let’s remember that this crisis is also poised to impact our everyday lives in Wisconsin. The effects threaten our health, safety, economy, food supply, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and wildlife, as well as less serious aspects such as our winter activities and enjoyment of our beautiful lakes. And time is running out to turn things around. It’s too late for more endless conversations or small steps.
Not only must the school board recognize the urgency of the issue and the magnitude of the stakes, but they must also see how important this is to students. West High students have made clear that they care about the climate. During lunch on September 23, the West Green Club circulated a petition urging the school board to “make meeting its clean energy goals (50% by 2030, 75% by 2035, and 100% by 2040) a top priority.” In just 50 minutes, 271 students signed—that’s over one in eight West students.
The October 2022 final report of MMSD’s Comprehensive Energy Plan concluded that, compared to less ambitious options, pursuing the 2019 clean energy goals would both cut the most greenhouse gas emissions and save the most money in the long run. However, the report also stated that meeting the goals “require[s] more funding up front,” and “the type of construction required is complex.”
The board cannot use this as an excuse to back off. They must find creative solutions to achieve 100% renewable energy as soon as possible. The answer is not to put off the work for another decade. The due date for climate action is approaching, and the planet will not accept late work. We need bold efforts now.
The school board has a responsibility to students to get this right. Though the ravaging effects of climate change are already coming into focus, we know that the worst is yet to come, and we as students will be forced to contend with it. The school board is tasked with a challenging mission, but the stakes are too high to back down. Our future is in their hands. They have the power to make an impact in the fight against climate change. Let’s see if they use it.