If you are heading to the Earth Day celebration in Forest Park on April 20-21, make sure to check out the festival’s new Climate Action Zone. The exhibition area will be the place to learn about the regional effects of climate and change and how to individually and collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Action Zone is part of a collaborative effort between earthday365 and its partners, including OneSTL, a collective impact group dedicated to sustainability. Directed by EWG Sustainability Planning Manager Aaron Young, OneSTL aims to unite the growing number of organizations and individuals taking action against climate change so they can collaborate and work collectively for larger impact. These initiatives include, promoting LEED certification, growing the tree canopy in our region, promoting energy conservation, encouraging native planting, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, involving the public in environmental and master planning, and collecting critical data.
Young said ongoing research being done by EWG to produce a Climate Action Plan found dozens of unique projects being undertaken at a neighborhood, community and regional level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage sustainability. They included plans to convert government fleets to electric vehicles, installing solar arrays on public and private property, and initiatives to restore the urban tree canopy, which not only drops the temperature in summer, but naturally counters greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Climate Action Zone reflects the growing number of people from all over our region – especially young families and students – who are very concerned about climate change and asking, what can they do to make a difference?” Young said. “A lot of people attend the festival to learn about environmental activities and how to make an impact in their own lives. The time is right to focus on climate change and inform people how they can make a difference.”
Sustainability planning through EWG’s Community Planning Department, is just one of the ways EWG addresses environmental issues. The Department produces environmental reports, air and water quality plans, as well as natural hazard mitigation plans. In addition to conducting long-range and short-range transportation and mobility plans, EWG’s Transportation Department, supports projects promoting mass transit, walkable neighborhoods, vibrant main streets, pedestrian safety, trail networks, and more.
The earthday365 Climate Action Zone will be located at the southwest end of the covered walkway in front of the MUNY. Look for the Smart House education tent featuring dozens of resources as well educational materials and guided activities. Participants will learn about a variety of programs and services to help them take action. They can also earn a badge by taking the Climate Action Pledge. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday of the event.
Get Involved!
- See OneSTL’s 2024 Report to the Region which features data and information on 50 performance indicators on sustainability in our region.
- One STL has six regional working groups. Get involved and learn more.
- OneSTL and its partners host an in-person/virtual monthly Sustainability Lab on the last Tuesday of the month. Join them.