Chicago-area students visit Dubai for COP28

1. Be "more environmentally minded," Hinsdale Central High school senior Natasha Bhatia tells Axios, "making choices like not idling, using public transportation, composting, eating less meat, avoiding unnecessary plastics, and more can create a significant impact."
2. Make sure "people are aware of [state and federal energy efficiency incentives] and are taking advantage of them," says Maiana Nelson, a senior at Riverside Brookfield.
3. Give youth "a voice at the international level in negotiations to convey the urgency of this crisis," says Bhatia.

The bottom line: "We need direct action now, and it's up to us to continue to fight for our future," Bhatia says.