Fargo’s youngest residents gathered at City Hall over four years ago, joining a global movement demanding action on climate change. Led by 11-year-old Penelope Echola in 2019, these young activists rallied for Fargo’s leadership to prioritize sustainability efforts.
In response to these protests, the city of Fargo established the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee. This committee recommended actions and policy changes to city leaders to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.
However, as time passed, questions arose regarding the committee’s progress. Echola, now in high school, wonders about the actions taken by the committee in recent years, especially as the local impacts of climate change become more apparent.
Climate Action After Protests (Credits: Yale E360)
“We have been protesting this exact same thing since 2019,” Echola stated. “The city agreed to take action and then failed to execute it properly.”
Echola’s concerns are echoed by other environmentalists in Fargo, such as Mark Taggart, who attended the committee’s last meeting. Taggart expressed his worry that city leaders have made little progress towards sustainability despite the committee’s formation.
Commissioner John Strand, who chairs the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee and played a key role in its establishment, acknowledges these concerns.
He emphasizes that the city’s work towards sustainability may not always be visible but assures that progress is being made.
The Sustainability and Resiliency Committee continues to work on initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability in Fargo. While challenges remain, the efforts of Echola, Taggart, and other activists highlight the importance of ongoing action and accountability in addressing climate change at the local level.
