Inspiration

2016 LOMA FIRE

On September 28, a fire started along the Loma Prieta ridge. The fire, known as the Loma Fire, was just eight miles away from our school.

Mount Madonna School was closed the next day, and smoke started to affect the air quality. Many of us were scared that it would burn down our school, and threaten our homes.

"I was scared that the fire would come closer. I was worried about my school and my friends."

- Cassiano Konig, second grade

When we finally returned, the terrible smoke kept us inside, despite the fact that it was still eight miles away. Helicopters flew over our school carrying fire retardant to the site. Our seventh grade class wanted to learn more about wildfires and the cause of air pollution.

Our science teacher, Katrina Leni-Konig showed us the Lexus Eco Challenge. The challenge was to tackle an environmental issue related to land and water, or air and climate. We chose the Air and Climate Challenge because wildfires have gotten worse with climate change, and the wildfires also affect air quality. Most importantly, we learned that increasing wildfires are one of the greatest impacts of climate change in California.

The team was inspired to work to help restore forests impacted by wildfires, and educate others so that no other fires will threaten our school. Forests reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the rate of climate change. Preventing further climate change will reduce the increased risk of wildfires.

We set out to make a difference with our Action Plan.