Lowell Recognizes Winners of Inaugural Youth in Climate Change Action Competition

The City of Lowell recently recognized the winners of the inaugural Youth in Climate Change Action Competition, a special category of Lowell Civics Day that highlights student-led research and solutions addressing environmental and climate-related challenges facing local communities.

The competition invited students to investigate pressing environmental issues and propose practical, research-based solutions. This year's winning projects explored topics ranging from water quality and infrastructure challenges to the environmental impacts of commonly used materials.

The 2026 Youth in Climate Change Action Competition winners are:

• Ethan Do - The Pressing Threat of Combined Sewer Overflows
• Cyrus Bridge - Bloomsday: The Causes and Effects of the Rising Prevalence of Cyanobacteria Blooms
• Nathan Julia - Rubber Mulch, an Unforeseen Enemy

Through thoughtful research and analysis, each student examined an important environmental issue and identified potential solutions that could help protect public health, local waterways, and natural resources.

Awards were presented in partnership with Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust and Lowell Public Schools. Ethan Do was unable to attend the ceremony, and his award was accepted on his behalf by Kaitlin Urban of Lowell Public Schools.

The competition marks a new chapter in fostering civic participation and environmental awareness among young residents. Thanks to an endowment arranged by Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, the Youth in Climate Change Action Competition will continue in future years, providing opportunities for students to engage with environmental issues, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute ideas that can help shape a more sustainable future.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and thank you for your hard work, creativity, and dedication to addressing the environmental challenges facing our communities.