Youth On Board testimony

Hello,
            My name is Christopher Parmer, I’m a senior at Burlington High School, lifelong resident of Burlington, and a member of E2C2.

             Throughout my four years at BHS, I’ve seen an incredible growth in support and awareness in combating climate change. Youth have come together to sustain the world we have grown up in. Climate change is threatening the world that we live and love; from the foliage, to maple syrup, from ski slopes to snow days.  We are coming together against the greatest threat against our natural world, our personal lifestyle, and our future. By 2050, by which E2C2 is making its recommendation, it is possible that I may have a child who is my age now, who has a right to pride Vermont in the same natural environment. I have enjoyed cross country skiing at Catamount, hiking Camel’s Hump, mountain biking at Sleepy Hollow. 

Christopher Parmer alais 'Mr. Brick House", senior at Burlington High School, a member of the Energy Environmental Coordinating Committee, graduating Class of 2009

            The climate crisis demands a multi-faceted solution and there is no silver bullet. Legacy’s strategy is holistic, involving people from all backgrounds and providing opportunities to make a difference in our community affecting all ages. For these reasons, I’m extremely optimistic towards legacy’s ability to better our world and effectively integrate sustainable solutions in our community, making sustainability an element in everybody’s lifestyle.

            Legacy’s vision for Burlington is extremely important for a safe and secure future where stewardship of natural capital on the local and global level is a universal community value and practice.

 Christopher Parmer; Youth Guest speaker at the Annual Legacy Town Meeting 12/09/08