During a recent government meeting, community members and students voiced strong calls for increased youth representation and engagement in local climate action initiatives. The discussions centered around the need for the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission to develop proposals that actively involve young people and those from climate justice communities.

Tanya, a community advocate, emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse voices in decision-making processes, suggesting the implementation of quotas or designated seats for representatives from identified climate justice areas. She highlighted the necessity of providing funding to facilitate participation from individuals who may struggle to attend meetings due to work commitments.

Anna Siegel, a Cornell University student, urged the commission to create a student representative position, arguing that youth are a significant demographic that deserves a voice in political matters. She pointed out that youth involvement not only empowers young constituents but also enhances the quality of policy-making by introducing long-term perspectives often overlooked by older decision-makers.

Other students echoed these sentiments, with Christian Zaser and Charlotte Nelson advocating for greater transparency in the commission's operations and clearer communication regarding its goals. They stressed that the commission should prioritize community involvement and ensure that the voices of younger generations are heard in environmental policy discussions.

Thijs Duvaine, a junior at Ithaca High School and leader of Sunrise Ithaca, reinforced the need for the commission to actively engage with youth organizations and incorporate their insights into climate action plans. He expressed frustration over the lack of consistent communication regarding updates on the Ithaca Green New Deal, urging the commission to involve young people in the early stages of decision-making.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for local governance structures to adapt and include younger voices, reflecting a broader movement towards inclusive and equitable climate action. As the commission considers these recommendations, the community remains hopeful for a more collaborative approach to addressing climate challenges.