Climate Leader Inspires Local Children at Annual Youth Climate Summit (With Data)
Posted on April 4, 2025
April 7, 2025 – Rockville, MD – On Saturday, April 5th, Julius West Middle School hosted the Annual Youth Climate Summit, where renowned climate leader and Climate Diet Executive Director Jane DeMarines delivered an impactful presentation to over 200 students to educate and empower young minds about the pressing climate crisis facing our planet.
DeMarines highlighted alarming records set in 2024, including the designation of the hottest year on record, with global temperatures rising to 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. This unprecedented increase has led to extreme weather events and significant environmental impacts. The presentation detailed the increased frequency of dangerous heat days, with climate change contributing to an average of 41 additional days of perilous heat worldwide, raising health risks and environmental stress.
The climate leader emphasized the alarming Antarctic heat wave experienced in July 2024, where temperatures soared 10°C above mid-winter averages, accelerating ice melt and sea-level rise. Furthermore, he noted that by March 2025, Antarctic sea ice extent had reached its lowest level in 47 years, a stark warning of the ongoing climate crisis.
DeMarines also addressed the severe implications of climate change, including the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could lead to significant alterations in global weather patterns. With half of the world’s population threatened by water shortages and over 14 percent of species at high risk of extinction, the urgency for action is clear.
In response to these challenges, DeMarines encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing meat consumption by one day a week in favor of plant protein. This initiative resonated with attendees, with 80% of students committing to the change.
The summit concluded with students developing action plans, including tree planting and other solutions to combat climate change. The event served as a powerful reminder of the role young people can play in shaping a sustainable future.
For more information about how you can get involved in local climate advocacy, visit www.climatediet.org
