108+ Countries and The Growth of Ecolyst: Letter from the Editor

By Ellie S. (12th Grade)

Dear Ecolyst Readers,

I hope this new school semester is going well for all of you. Amidst my senior and the whirlwind of college applications, I just wanted to take time to appreciate how Ecolyst has grown over the years.

Ecolyst started out as somewhere I could write articles and publish my own thoughts surrounding environmental issues. I had an avid interest in environmental solutions, science, and journalism, but I found no place to harbor those thoughts so the public could see them. I began by distributing small school science projects and day by day, the platform grew.

However, while discussing with a science and communicator at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), I found that there was a clear disconnect between the scientific paradigm and the general public. Because the media is so polluted, I found it incredibly disheartening to witness the stagnation of policy it causes, the budget-cuts all over the nation, and the delay in environmental solutions.

Here is when I realized that science and communication goes beyond just a personal diary entry, it is something that students need all over the world to combat climate anxiety and apathy.

What started out as a rough brainstorm for my Girl Scouts Gold Award project has now grown to a global organization reaching over 108+ countries, establishing 15 global chapters, and publishing over 300+ student written articles. We have also interviewed over 50 different industry experts, alumni, clubs, and organizations who do incredible work to make our world more sustainable. In-person events at booths, where children in local communities can write their opinions on penguins, public transit, and even how much their electricity bill costs at home, have been hosted in 20 distinct places. Students all over the world are converging over their interests in taking research to the next level by inspiring student engagement in environmental action.

I am eternally grateful to my wonderful team of student volunteers who have supported me throughout this growth, and it truly would not have happened without them. We are also looking for new volunteer so if anybody wants to help contribute to our cause, consider filling out the application form!

Climate change is a huge problem, one far beyond what highschoolers can tackle. Nevertheless, public discourse, communication, and teaching science to the next generation is a step we can take towards a greener future.