The Department of Atmospheric Sciences is excited to announce new Climate Courage Awards. Local Vermont residents established the awards to recognize Lyndon Atmospheric Science students who have accepted the responsibility of educating the community about human-caused climate change while instilling a sense of urgency for action. This type of outreach is beyond what is traditionally expected of young scientists and takes a tremendous amount of courage. The number of recipients and cash award will vary depending on total donations each year. If you would like to recognize these courageous students, donations can be made by contacting Jenny Harris at jennifer.harris [at] lyndonstate.edu. For more information about this award or student activities, please contact Dr. Janel Hanrahan at janel.hanrahan [at] lyndonstate.edu.
Climate Courage Awards Description
Climate change presents humankind with a monumental challenge. While scientists understand the need for immediate climate change mitigation, the urgency of our situation is not well understood by many outside of the scientific community. It is therefore crucial for today’s scientists to communicate the impacts of climate change by educating the general public and key decision makers. Scientists must instill a sense of urgency for climate change action. This type of engagement is beyond what is traditionally expected of scientists and takes a tremendous amount of passion and courage. Vermont residents, Carl Bayer and Sheila Reed, established this award to recognize Atmospheric Sciences students at Lyndon who have demonstrated such courage.
The Climate Courage Awards are given annually to graduating Atmospheric Sciences or Climate Change Science seniors who have:
- accepted the responsibility to educate others about the urgency of climate change action,
- engaged with members of the community such as students, meteorologists, business leaders, and/or government officials,
- demonstrated passion for decarbonizing our global energy system by advocating for a clean energy future based on renewable sources, and
- expressed commitment to continued climate change advocacy as described in a two-page essay
Climate Change Courage award recipients will be announced at the Robing Ceremony in May.
Many Lyndon Atmospheric Science students are members of the Climate Change Communication group. These young scientists repeatedly demonstrate exemplary courage and passion about climate change communication, education, and outreach.
