At Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School, making real-world connections is a major part of our curriculum. Recently, Mr. Peterman’s seventh grade English classes researched air pollution in Pittsburgh, and then they wrote letters to Mayor Peduto. Take a look at the students’ passionate writing, and also see Mayor Peduto’s response. We are so proud of how our students are working to learn together and change our world! Great job, Areva, Aujahne, Mariah, Araziah, Daonte, and Ta’SheraD!
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Mayor Peduto’s response:
February 5, 2021
Hello Areva, Aujahne, Mariah, Araziah, Daonte, and Ta’SheraD,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and sharing your concerns about Pittsburgh. I was so pleased to hear how much Pittsburgh, our environment, and air mean to you.
Fighting against climate change and protecting our environment are the biggest challenges of our time. These issues are so important to me, and I am so glad that you share that passion with me. Throughout my career and as Mayor of Pittsburgh, I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish to help make sure you and the future of Pittsburgh grow up in a safe environment.
When I was a City Council representative, I helped to write the bill to end fracking in the city of Pittsburgh. Fracking, which is used to get gas out of the ground, damages our earth, pollutes our air, and poisons the water that we drink. Fracking also worsens the effects of climate change and would have been awful for our great city. Instead, I am advocating for energy sources such as solar power and wind power that are cleaner, produce energy for our homes and schools, and help fight against climate change.
As Mayor, I promoted clean construction on City of Pittsburgh projects to prevent air pollution caused by diesel vehicles. I am against the construction of petrochemical plants that would dangerously poison the air we breathe. I have also made sure we invested in electric vehicles for our City workers and invested in making our streets safer, which helps to reduce car trips, encourages Pittsburghers to bike and walk, and decrease poisonous emissions that pollute our air. I am committed to working with other Mayors and leaders across the country and the world to improve the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate we live in.
The fight against climate change is a great challenge and I will keep fighting to help make sure our air becomes cleaner and our environment is protected. Hearing from young people, like you, who are engaging in their communities fills me with hope and makes me realize how bright our future is. Continue staying involved in your community and learning from teachers like Mr. Peterman, and I know you will continue to make Pittsburgh and this world a better place. I look forward to having you visit my office at City Hall when it is safe to do so.
Sincerely,
Mayor William Peduto