In recent years, the rapid development of land traditionally used for farming in the Quad Cities has sparked concerns about environmental sustainability.
With new restaurants, shops and housing projects on the rise, students are witnessing firsthand the impact of urbanization on their communities. In the past four years, the land surrounding the TBK Bank Sports Complex has experienced unprecedented growth. What was once an empty parking lot is now a popular gathering place for high school students. Just last week, a new Thai restaurant, Soi 4, opened.
As agricultural land disappears, so does the connection to nature that many students once felt. Himanshu Jangid, who enjoys taking nature walks, reflected, “As I walk around the neighborhood, I’ve noticed that construction sites are taking up space in the cornfields.” This disconnection from nature can lead to indifference, but it also creates opportunities for education and activism.
PVHS’s Environmental Club seeks to raise awareness about these pressing issues, yet it struggles to resonate on a broader scale. “It’s disheartening how many people in the school care about the environment but fail to take action and do something about it. There’s strength in numbers,” shared club leader Katie Haas. Greater participation in clubs like these can establish a more vibrant culture of environmental activism.
While students may feel powerless against large-scale development, they should make meaningful contributions locally. Organizing clean-up days, planting trees and starting community gardens in the Quad Cities helps beautify the area and instills a sense of pride among students. By actively participating in these initiatives, students can inspire others and promote a culture of leadership that can extend beyond their immediate community.
Cross-school collaborations are a great example of how students can fulfill their environmental duties. The recent partnership between Rock Island High School and others in the county proved how effective this can be. By pooling their ideas and strategies for environmental activism, these schools have revealed that working together can merge classroom learning with hands-on efforts to clean sloughs.
This success can inspire schools across Iowa and beyond to create similar connections. As Environmental Science teacher Zachary Marotta put it, “Working together with other schools is important to create a sense of purpose in students. They should feel motivated to protect their communities in a meaningful way. This sense of responsibility is what is driving growth in my class.”
Students around the country should recognize their vital role in advocating for the environment. By coming together through school initiatives and community projects, they can transform concerns about the environment into meaningful action that promotes sustainability for generations to come.
