A Pollution Free Future
On Tuesday, March 14, the Wausau City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In approving the resolution Wausau has committed themselves to developing an energy plan and moving the city to becoming 100% clean energy by 2050.
There were many good speeches that evening but one that was really heartwarming and future driven was given by Jean Abreu. I would like to share it with you. ~Nancy
Here it is:
“I’m here to speak in support of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Resolution.
Not only is this a Fiscally and Environmentally responsible next step for our community, it’s also an important and hope-filled investment in our children.
I speak as a teacher. This is my 42nd year in the classroom. I’m currently working at EEA, a small charter school housing middle and high school students in the Wausau District. Last week I discussed this Resolution with my science classes and asked students to write down anything they might like to share with you – the City Council – about this resolution. Here are some of their comments:
Thank you for doing something positive.
Thank you for giving us hope.
Thank you for doing something that will have such a big impact.
I’m proud of people taking charge and tackling this issue.
Why hasn’t anyone tried to do this before?
Do you think other businesses will follow your lead?
I think it’s great.
I hope it’s not too late.
We need to do this faster.
Thank you for taking the necessary steps to create a cleaner earth for the next generation…
What I found most interesting was their desire to calculate how old they’ll be in 2050, the year Wausau plans to be using 100% clean, renewable energy. I will be 92! But the kids will be in their early-to-mid 40’s.
Now think about that – passing this resolution means we are choosing to change the trajectory of their future, moving them towards a cleaner and energy-independent world. It is for this very reason that I fully support the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Resolution. Thank you. “