Blake, 20, USA - Climate change caused by greenhouse gases threatens our environment. To decrease and halt greenhouse gas emissions we must replace polluting energy sources like oil and coal with clean energy technologies like wind and solar. While these technologies function safely and efficiently, they’re not widely used in the United States.

Young Americans, who will be most effected by global climate change, feel unable to control energy production sources, and many Americans don’t see wind as a practical choice.

My project will empower young people by bringing together a group of high school students over the summer to build a working wind turbine. The turbine will provide power for a local demonstration farm, which hosts a day camp. The turbine will provide both clean energy and an example of implementing wind power on a small scale. Visitors will learn about wind energy’s ability to ameliorate climate change and provide local energy.

The wind turbine team will share our experiences and technical know-how with local schools and businesses. Through workshops, and using the working turbine as an exemplar, we will educate the community on wind energy solutions. We plan to inspire further construction of wind turbines at local schools and businesses.

Unable to afford school fees, William Kamkwamba, 14, dropped out of secondary school in Malawi and taught himself to make a windmill from scratch.

His invention generated more than just electricity for his village (which never had power), but also lots of attention - from the media and the social sector.

Why? Not only does he show how innovative young people can be, he also offers hope that Africa can power itself with clean renewable energy.

Watch William’s remarkable story in this short documentary (below) that premiered on Pangea Day.