Bailey Recktenwald (’15) now works as a climate change activist for Governor Roy Cooper.
While in high school, Recktenwald thrived in science classes, especially AP environmental science.
Her dad, who works in the state of North Carolina’s department of environmental quality himself, inspired her to work in the climate change field.
Recktenwald works to advise Governor Cooper on climate change issues. She recently researched, drafted and pitched an executive order to the Governor that worked on conserving natural wetlands around North Carolina.
A large challenge she experiences is how controversial climate change is, especially in a largely purple state like North Carolina.
”Many people understand that climate change is real and happening,” she said. “Now it’s more of a debate on how much we should be prioritizing it as an issue.”
She explained that some days can be really frustrating when all of her ideas are shot down and doing everything she can to get an order passed, but then the Republican supermajority overrules legislation the Governor brings in.
