Making Global Climate Connections as a Pre-College Student
Ava Luke, author of the Navigations blog, in Iceland for the Columbia Climate Corps program.
Ava Luke, a high school student in the Columbia Climate School Pre-College Program, traveled to Chile, Argentina and Iceland in one of the historic offerings from Columbia Climate School in partnership with Putney Student Travel. From tsunami preparation to earthquake response, Luke learned unforgettable lessons from the unique communities and environments around her and from the connections with her professors and classmates—all of which she shares in a blog called Navigations, which chronicles her time in the program.
The Climate School’s Pre-College Programs are specifically designed to amplify high school students’ knowledge in an applied context and motivate action based on sound science, experiential learning and diverse perspectives. These climate-focused pre-college initiatives allow high school students to learn about specific climate change themes through place-based field opportunities. Students produce a climate action plan based on their experiences, new knowledge and acquired skills.
In the post below, Luke shares the transformative impact these programs have had on her climate-activism journey.
Students in the Columbia Climate Corps Chile and Argentina program learn about the importance of dunes for coastal resilience and the developmental threats they face, while visiting the Dunas De Concón in Chile.
Our education was never restricted to the classroom; we shared conversations over delicious dinners, breathtaking views and spaces with locals. Once, we visited the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy in Valparaiso and observed how they track and prepare for tsunamis. Another memorable experience was when we spoke to Argentinian farmers about how neighboring mines are draining water resources needed for day-to-day life and farming. There was nothing like learning from experts and people directly impacted.
The Icelandic landscape is like no other! Often referred to as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is home to volcanoes, glaciers and numerous waterfalls.
In both programs, we had Columbia Climate School experts accompany us to translate complex concepts, drive group discussions about our field observations, share examples about real-world climate actions and guide us in developing our action project. Because of the Columbia network, we were also able to spend time with a volcanologist in Iceland who taught us about earthquakes, and professors in Chile who shared research on (un)natural disasters. Interestingly, the day I left Iceland, there was a series of 5+ magnitude earthquakes that led to the eruption of Fagradalsfjall. As concerning as the earthquakes felt, I knew exactly what was happening after learning from Columbia and local experts about Iceland’s unique geologic landscape. Hearing different perspectives and uniting through a shared passion was a special experience for which I am forever grateful.
Chasing the midnight sun in Iceland.
