Statement for CAB Candidate Forum

I was unfortunately unable to attend the Climate Action Brookline candidate forum on 4/10/23 where school committee candidates were given one minute to introduce ourselves and address how schools relate to the climate crisis. I drafted a one minute statement given I was unable to attend virtually despite some last minute confusion. You will notice a trend in my writing as I took the opportunity to reexamine the Pierce School Debt Exclusion from a climate perspective.

Our schools play a major role in the climate crisis which is especially true with the Pierce School. I’ve heard some people argue the school should be closed and the students disbursed to the closest school. Our kids should be able to walk to their school which reduces carbon emissions from cars and buses. I’ve heard people argue for doing nothing with Pierce. Our schools should utilize geothermal, solar, heat pumps, and energy efficient electricity consumption to eliminate emissions from burning natural gas. I’ve heard people say that demolition is going to have a bigger impact on the environment. The reality is at least 75% of the materials will be recycled and not end up in our landfills. We’ve already made several investments through our schools to combat climate change and it’s time we make the next one.