Inspired to Act
Ahead of the Club’s Earth Day Festival, one Member explains why the need for environmental action is now.
It was a school science project that opened Sage Humphrey’s eyes. The fifth-grade challenge was to create an electrical device to help solve a problem. Sage decided to make a miniature, solar-powered car.
A little under 30 centimeters in length, the vehicle worked like a charm and earned Sage a good grade.
“I also really enjoyed it,” he says. “I’m a creative person, so I really liked figuring out how to connect the wires and drawing up the plans.”
The assignment also provided a window on an issue far bigger than the appeal of the car’s cool design. While researching the concept behind the solar-powered engine, the American learned about renewable energy and the environmental consequences of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. He was alarmed by what he discovered.
“People need to understand that climate change is a real issue and we need to take action now rather than later,” says Sage, whose family joined the Club 10 years ago. “Kids like me are the next generation. If we don’t do anything to stop this, we are only going to make a bigger problem.”
Stirred by what he had learned, Sage, 15, delved deeper into the subject of climate change and the science behind how to stop, or at least slow, global warming. After finding out about the carbon dioxide emissions associated with producing beef, he convinced his family to give up the meat.
“Beef is a hidden issue that most people don’t even think about,” he says. “Learning about it showed me that beef can increase carbon dioxide and the rate of deforestation.”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Sage’s curiosity and determination to instigate change remain undimmed. Last year, he approached Club leaders to share his thoughts on making the Club a greener and more sustainable institution. As a member of the relaunched Youth Council, Sage hopes to collaborate with the newly established TAC Sustainability Task Force, headed by Club governor Trista Bridges Bivens.
His first order of business is to recruit other youth to work together on initiatives and to help with events, just as he is doing with this month’s Earth Day Festival. Sage knows that when it comes to effecting change, he needs to lead by example.
“Action has a real impact,” he says. “You’re helping your community by saying this is an issue we have to do something about. I feel the Club is realizing that climate change is an issue and they are making simple changes like paper straws and the ice box as an alternative air conditioner to start. They are trying to build momentum, and I believe that will increase as the Youth Council and the task force show others how they can be sustainable and helpful.”
Words: Joan Bailey
Image of Sage Humphrey: Kayo Yamawaki
Earth Day Festival
April 18 | 10am–12pm & 1–3pm
