The grassroots Climate Solutions Summit held its third annual event in New Paltz last week, with a record-breaking turnout of more than 300 people, including several Ellenville High School students.

The event coincided with several “climate strike” demonstrations that occurred across the globe, including one climate strike demonstration that took place right in Kingston. The “climate strike” was part of a broader movement aimed at encouraging school-age kids to get involved in climate change-related activities and demonstrations “in a way, that you [the activist] feel safe with,” according to the site Fridays For Future, which provides tips for young climate activists.

This year’s Climate Solutions Summit, which was not affiliated with the climate strikes, gave local community members the chance to come together to share projects, case studies, resources, experiences and ways in which people can tackle climate change.

Eleven Ellenville High School students representing the Go Beyond Greatness program attended the Climate Solutions Summit, and were able to meet with State Sen. Jen Metzger (D-Rosendale), Ulster County Legislator Manna Jo Greene, and other climate activists. Students also learned about the impact of green jobs on the future and a host of other environmental tidbits. They also enjoyed what was described only as a “waste-free” vegan breakfast and lunch.

“It was refreshing to see so many young people participating in the annual Climate Solutions Summit at SUNY New Paltz this past weekend, including an impressive group of Ellenville High School students representing the Go Beyond Greatness, Inc Program,” said Metzger. “Our young people are a force in reshaping the conversation around climate change!”

At the event, Metzger, along with other legislators and climate activists, gave a presentation titled, “How to Accomplish New York’s Clean Energy and Climate Goals.” Metzger’s presentation can be viewed at climatesolutionssummit.org.

"This excellent and timely Climate Solutions Summit demonstrated unequivocally that the transition to a renewable energy economy with storage and efficiency is not only possible, it is both necessary and powerfully in progress as we speak," said Greene at the event. “Let's join together to create a regional renewable energy implementation plan as a roadmap to ensure the goals of New York's ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protect Plan (CLCPA) are actually attained by 2030.”

At the Summit, experts discussed topics such as renewable energy technologies like solar and heat pumps, energy efficiency, clean transportation, climate justice, clean energy careers, and ways to organize climate actions in schools and communities. Those with valid driver’s licenses could even take some of the electric cars on display out for a test drive.

The Summit also included an environmentally conscious vendor fair and the second annual “Zero Emissions” parade organized by the New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, featuring marchers, bikers, and electric vehicles.

The event was co-sponsored by SUNY New Paltz, New Yorkers for Clean Power, ACE NY, Sustainable Hudson Valley, The Climate Reality Project, New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, AGREE NY, New Paltz Climate Smart, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Hudson Valley Regional Council, Food & Water Watch, Catskill Mountainkeeper, SunCommon, RUPCO, Scenic Hudson, Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission, NYPIRG, Environmental Advocates of NY, and Protecting Our Waters.

Go Beyond Greatness describes itself as a consulting firm that provides “educational training services in leadership, effective communication, positive behavior, and personal discipline with a focus in college and career readiness.”