AUGUSTA, Maine — Thursday, 500 climate action supporters from around the state gathered at the Augusta Civic Center for a crucial discussion on reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable future.
The event, the Maine Climate Action Summit, aimed to bring together individuals and businesses to explore solutions and pave the way for collective action.
The summit kicked off with a thought-provoking question: "Are we ready for the future?" This query set the tone for a day filled with insightful panels and discussions.
"We are working to make sure we are all addressing the same topics and having those hard conversations even if we are all aligned or not," Lydia Covert, vice chair of ClimateWork Maine said.
Covert further emphasized the significance of individual and corporate responsibility in combating climate change. "Starting with small changes can make a big difference," she stated.
Covert encouraged attendees to identify their largest climate impacts and take steps to reduce emissions efficiently.
Throughout the summit, business leaders showcased innovative approaches to sustainability.
Zoe Malia, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Allagash Brewing Company, shared the brewery's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
"Last year, we purchased around 2 million pounds of Maine-grown grains from local farmers to brew and use in our beers," Malia said.
Additionally, Allagash Brewing has invested in solar panel roofing, demonstrating its dedication to renewable energy.
"A lot of these changes we've made have also allowed us to save money as well," Malia added.
By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the event fostered meaningful conversations and inspired tangible actions toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.