Recently, the U has been in the spotlight for voting in favor of fossil fuel divestment, and then later retracting that decision. Despite this ongoing issue, an incoming freshman is hoping to provide awareness and education to U students by starting a club based on the motto by Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). The motto states: “We exist to create the political will for climate solutions by enabling individual breakthroughs in the exercise of personal and political power.”
Savannah Benhard is working to make this motto possible when she starts attending the U.
“The essence of this motto is exactly what I intend to bring to the University of Utah. As students, we all are seeking to carve a path and establish a future for both ourselves and our community. Citizens Climate Lobby connects young people with their natural inclination to connect and engage with others. But the core of CCL rests in passing a carbon fee and dividend. This piece of legislation puts a price on carbon at the point of entry or source and returns all proceeds back to households,” said Benhard.
The club will be built upon carbon fee and dividend, a concept been created by CCL. Benhard plans to hold two meetings each month, one a phone conference with CCL and the other some sort of activity or discussion with students. She wants to get people talking about topics such as global warming and the effect it has on the world.
“With environmentalism and climate issues, everyone has a say in it — everyone lives here and even if we aren’t an environmental lawyer or organic farmer, we all have something to offer in the movement,” she said.
At a young age, Benhard knew she wanted to make a difference in her community and environment. Her father was a climate advocate, and she followed his example, having a keen interest in gardening and changing to a vegan diet. After participating in a sustainable summer learning program in Ecuador, she started a club at her high school, developed a compost system, and helped organize a school garden. She presented a booth about her work at a conference, where she came in contact with CCL.
At the end of June, she helped CCL lobby in Washington D.C., where she was able to meet with staffers in the offices of Harry Reid, Chris Stewart, Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz. During her experience there, she recognized the different views from both Democratic and Republican parties. She found Republicans took more persuasion than Democrats on climate change.
Benhard’s experiences with CCL have helped her realize her purpose in life. She wants to get her peers excited about climate change and interested in making a difference in the world.
“The blend of climate education and engagement is a powerful blend that I believe can have a real impact, both economically and socially, in our communities.”
For more information on CCL, visit: citizensclimatelobby.org
@TheRachEF