By Lance Cutrer, Museum of Discovery and Science
Facing escalating climate challenges in South Florida, the call to action aligns with opportunities for resilience, renewal and rejuvenation. Rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns and many other environmental concerns demand a united front, compelling broader engagement in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of a warming climate.
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) takes a leading role, acknowledging the vital contribution of youth in shaping a sustainable future by actively involving them in crucial conversations. The Broward Youth Climate Summit, an initiative by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and Broward County Resilient Environment Department, provides a pivotal platform for young leaders to spearhead change and cultivate a sense of hope and belonging in the collective pursuit of environmental solutions.
BCPS students from grades 5 to 12, armed with passion and determination, immerse themselves in learning about climate issues affecting their communities. In the classroom, they brainstorm ways to contribute, knowing that their ideas will soon take center stage at the Broward Youth Climate Summit. This annual gathering, now in its sixth consecutive year, has become the epitome of youthful energy and innovation.
The 2024 summit, held at Pompano Beach High School, drew more than 1,000 students into a world of green technology, challenging them to “forecast for the future.” The air was buzzing with creativity and optimism as students showcased their ideas through vivid poster presentations, breathtaking art and engaging networking sessions with like-minded peers. It wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of the potential locked within the minds of these young leaders.
But the summit isn’t just about showcasing ideas; it’s a melting pot of inspiration and collaboration. Breakout sessions, led by environmental experts, provided invaluable insights. Representatives from the Broward County Resilient Environment Department took the stage, leading discussions on water, parks, air quality and the importance of green spaces. The CLEO Institute, a champion in climate advocacy, joined the ranks, fostering discussions and building a formidable corps of students ready to talk climate and advocate for impactful solutions.Â
Amid this vibrant and inspiring landscape, the MODS EcoExplorers Interns made their mark, taking charge of sessions on sustainable transportation and water resources. The EcoExplorers — including dynamic speakers Hannah Charles and Lindsay Perrin, students from Northeast High School and South Broward High School — kick-started the summit with a keynote address that resonated with enthusiasm and challenge. They presented sunny forecasts for their futures in climate action, daring their peers to envision the changes they want to see.Â
The EcoExplorers aren’t just summit speakers; they are part of a paid internship program offered by MODS’ STEM Center for Education and Career Development. Designed for environmentally curious 10th, 11th and 12th grade students, this year-long program encompasses summer immersion and a school-year workforce readiness component. For more information and to apply, please visit mods.org/ecoexplorers. The goal? Cultivating Environmental Stewards equipped to convey the importance of sustainability and resilience to the broader community and pursue careers in the sustainability field.
For those attending the Broward Youth Climate Summit, it was evident that the seeds of change are not just planted; they’re in full bloom. The energy, creativity and determination displayed by these young leaders are not just commendable; they’re awe-inspiring. By amplifying their voices, providing platforms for action and investing in their development, MODS is nurturing a generation of climate champions. The result? A more inclusive, equitable and prosperous community.
Empowering youth to take meaningful strides toward sustainability and adaptation isn’t just about securing a brighter future; it’s about crafting stories of resilience and innovation. The Broward Youth Climate Summit and MODS EcoExplorers program are beacons of hope, proving that the passion and dedication of the younger generation are the driving forces behind meaningful change.
As we witness the unwavering spirit of these young climate warriors, we can’t help but feel an infectious excitement for the future they’re shaping — a future defined by stewardship, innovation and collective action.Â
Lance Cutrer is the director of environmental sustainability at the Museum of Discovery and Science. He is an education and sustainability professional with expertise in ecology, wildlife and fisheries management and primary/secondary education. For a video on the Broward Youth Climate Summit, see the social media post below.
If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here.
