With Sharon Smith
Forces of Nature profiles the inspirational grassroots work of six young people recognized with the nation's top environmental prize for youth, the Brower Youth Awards, for their leadership in tackling critical environmental issues.
Marisol Becerra, 18, educates her community about the dangers of living near dirty coal-fired power plants, while training youth in community organizing skills.
Ivan Stiefel, 22, spearheads the creation of an alternative spring break for university students to oppose coal industry abuses in Appalachia.
Jessie-Ruth Corkins, 17, leads a group of 200 students representing 26 high schools in advocating for a transition to biomass heating in Vermont.
Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, 21, launches a company that focuses on energy efficiency projects led by community members.
Kari Fulton, 22, supports and trains hundreds of young people at more than 50 universities to become climate champions.
Phebe Meyers, 18, launches a non-profit to create a migratory corridor in the Costa Rican rainforest, restoring it with native trees.
Forces of Nature is a beautiful examination of service work. Teachers who promote service learning and community engagement will find this an inspirational tool with their classes. The awardees are charismatic young heroes for planet Earth, whose stories, struggles, and victories inspire people of all ages.
Reviews
~ "We need to know that our youth is interested in charting another path that does not equal wholesale liquidation of the natural world. The Brower Youth Awards offer us the best opportunity to find and celebrate those young individuals." - Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmental activist
~ "David Brower was one of my great heroes, and the winners of the Youth Award named in his honor are his real heirs. I've known many--and they're changing the world." - Bill McKibben, author, environmentalist, and educator, Middlebury College
~ "Our middle school students were inspired by the Brower Youth Awards, where everyday heroes working for social justice and environmental sustainability are honored." - Kathryn Lee, teacher, Prospect Sierra School (K-8)
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