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On November 8th, New Jersey 4-H STEM Ambassadors joined faculty at Rutgers University for the 2024 Climate Sustainability Summit for a day of learning, discovery, collaboration, and reconnection. The summit, attended by 35 STEM Ambassadors, addressed the importance of being sustainable and fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
The summit began with an introduction to the effects of climate change and ways to adapt and mitigate it by Dr. Josh Kohut. The participants then split into three breakout groups to learn about one of three key topics: wind energy, solar energy, and climate planning. Solar energy was explored by making a solar panel cell using different conductive fluids. Wind energy outlined some ways AI can help inform us how much energy we can derive from wind platforms and how we know when the platforms need maintenance. Climate Planning discussed NJ’s current plans for climate adaptation and climate change impacts on public health in NJ and tools to understand and plan for impacts in vulnerable communities.
The summit was also an opportunity for the STEM Ambassadors to return to campus and reconnect with peers from around the state. Mercer County 4-H plans to continue such efforts to expose our students to relevant topics and build community among state 4-H participants.