News & Commentary written by Claire Vlases

Since middle school, Claire has been taking action to address the climate crisis. She started a Solar Club and raised enough money to install solar panels on the roof of her school. However, due to a cap on solar power in the state’s law, Claire’s school was not able to run solely on renewable energy. It was at that young age that Claire had her first experience with how her state government has impeded climate solutions.

Growing up in Bozeman, the 20-year-old's favorite activities have always been outdoors - skiing, biking, running, and hiking. Seasonally, she works as a ski instructor at a ski resort. However, due to decreasing snowpack, Claire’s shifts are often canceled, negatively impacting her ability to work and make money. Declining snowpack and drought conditions also reduce water flow through Bozeman Creek, which is the primary water source for her family and their garden.

Claire studies Computer Science and Ethics at Claremont Mckenna College. She hopes to create technology that brings sustainability, agriculture, and people together.