We had a great first day learning about renewable resources with the 81st Governor of Vermont, Peter Shumlin. He shared his stories of working on climate change policy in Vermont, the challenges he faced in a leadership role, and the expansion of wind and solar energy throughout the state during his time in office. It was an excellent send off to Morocco, a leading nation in solar energy.

We also had the opportunity to chat with Geremy Schulick from Project Drawdown, which is a research and communications organization that is actively pursuing solutions to not only combat climate change, but to reverse it. It was inspiring to focus on tangible solutions to these issues, and learn about the diversity of effective actions everyone can take to decrease their carbon footprint—from taking trays away in a cafeteria at UC Davis to decrease food waste by 50%, to properly disposing of your refrigeration and AC unit, to joining the youth-led Sunrise Movement, who is pressuring Congress to take action on policy to combat climate change.

In the afternoon, Darren Springer from Burlington Electric shared what green energy initiatives have been successful in Vermont, both at a state and local level. Through the Tier 3 Renewable Energy Standards and Incentives program, Vermonters receive rebates when they invest in renewable energy resources from adding solar panels to their home or switching to an electric car or bike.

A huge thank you to our presenters for joining us from near and far and chatting with the group—it’s a great jumping off point for our experiences soon to come in Morocco!

Regards from our team and excited to have Gaspar join us in Casablanca!

— Heather & Ravi