After a successful program about climate change at Susan Lindgren last spring, Susan Lindgren teacher Shawn Whelan said the Roots and Shoots club is assisting the elementary school in developing this year’s upcoming environmental education program.

Whelan said last year’s climate change program aimed to teach students about the environment and how to take initiative.

“The goal (of last year’s event) was environmental and climate change education and action,” Whelan said. “We partnered with Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater for about half of the eight week session and put on a performance at the end around fossil fuel reduction.”

According to Roots and Shoots club member senior Nathan Kempf, Larry Kraft, the executive director of iMatter, encouraged the club to meet with teachers at a Park elementary school to establish a program focusing on climate change education.

“(Kraft) brought two women from Susan Lindgren. They want (Roots and Shoots) to work with the older elementary school kids to (continue) an environmental club at (Susan Lindgren),” Kempf said.

Kraft said it’s important for youth to become education and take action when it comes to climate change.

“It’s going to be (their) world, and (they) are going to have to live with the effects of climate change for a lot longer than the older generations,” Kraft said.

Kraft said the program at Susan Lindgren will start in the spring and last about four to eight weeks.

According to Kempf, the club is expanding to other Park schools.

“We are also starting an environmental club at the junior high, as well. We are trying to get more kids ushered into the program, as most of us (in Roots and Shoots) are seniors and will not be here next year,” Kempf said.

Kraft said he thinks it is important for younger students to learn about climate change, so students can take action and make a difference.

“It’s important for those of you who care to really stand up and hold (the older generation accountable),” Kraft said.