Eating a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways for an individual to fight climate change, according to a 2017 study in the Environmental Research Letters journal.

“At this time, Abe started to put adult-level thoughts together about this,” said dad Eli Rosenberg, Innovation Lab Instructor at Main Street Middle School. “He couldn’t control a lot of things, but he could control some things about himself. One of those things is food.”

Abe inspired his family to eat less meat too. His dad noted that Abe didn’t inflict his vegetarianism onto his family, but rather provided an impetus for more sustainable habits.

Abe knew that following a plant-based diet was a good starting point, but he began to ask himself, “What is the next step? What can I do more?” 

Abe decided that his next step wouldn’t be a single step at all, but rather, a 100-mile run to raise climate awareness.

As a part of this project, Abe set up a sponsorship website to raise donations. He ended up exceeding his goal by running 180 miles and raising about $3,600 for 350.org, a movement working to end fossil fuels and increase access to renewable energy sources around the world.

“He’s always been really determined. It’s wonderful to have a kid who has such a high degree of focus,” said Eli Rosenberg. “He knows who he is, that’s a real gift. To know who you are is not that common in 7th grade.”

Abe is also involved in MSMS_Sustain, an extracurricular group closely connected to the mandatory Main Street Middle School sustainability course. The group aims to encourage sustainable habits and educate community members about sustainability.

Students in the group give sustainability presentations to homeroom classes and ensure that every classroom has access to recycling and compost. MSMS_Sustain also manages the school’s lost and found to limit fashion waste.

Outside of school, the group works closely with local community partners by holding food and clothing drives. Astrid Kim works with Abe on the MSMS_Sustain Quarterly Newsletter.

“He’s very driven. He’s very smart. This is something he really cares about, so I feel like he could really go places,” Astrid said.

Abe continues to advocate for increased climate awareness by speaking with people who are in positions to make change in the community.

Abe reached out to the school board, and even spoke about increasing climate education for students and teachers with Michael Berry, Director of Curriculum and Technology for the Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools district.

Abe also met with state representatives and faith leaders at the Vermont Statehouse for a “Day of Action: Rally for the Planet.” The event was sponsored by the Vermont Youth Lobby, a group that encourages youth participation in advocacy and activism.

Abe spoke with Sen. Anne Watson, D/P-Washington, who chairs the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.

“He impressed me as a very thoughtful young man who seemed to care about things deeply,” said Watson.

She noted that Abe spoke about Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law.

“His questions were well informed, I look forward to seeing what he works on and accomplishes in the future,” she said.

Abe continued to explore Act 250, going on to write a 2,500-word paper on the topic for Vermont History Day. His paper won two awards, qualifying him for the annual National History Day contest in Washington, D.C.

Despite Abe’s role in his community and his commitment to conquering a challenge that is much bigger than him, he doesn’t let it go to his head.

“Beyond that, Abe is just a funny guy to be around,” said Eli Rosenberg. “There are lots of other things that he’s passionate about too. He keeps it pretty real.”

The University of Vermont’s Community News Service is an internship program that provides Vermont news outlets with reporting, including the Waterbury Roundabout.