Michael Sandstrom, who teaches Sculpture and Ceramics at Rockville High School, prefers colder weather.

“If I have to choose, like, extreme heat versus extreme cold, I like the cold because I’m from New England. You can add layers to keep yourself warm,” Sandstrom said.

However, he’s recently traveled to warmer places like Florida and California to get away from frigid temperatures too.

“It was really cold here, and I wanted the difference,” he said.

The weather may be a traditional topic of small talk, but its become more than just that. Sandstrom worries about the impacts of climate change and the disruption to nature as we know it.

“If it’s not stopped, it will be very dangerous for our future,” Sandstrom said. “I would be concerned that the plants and animals are not going to have the same ecosystem.”

While he acknowledges the importance of climate education, Sandstrom also believes schools may not be fully equipped to teach about climate change just yet.

 “I think we’re still learning a lot about climate change, and I don’t know that we should be teaching things we don’t know enough about,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with asking questions about it. Like you are right now.”

Technology’s role in climate change also worries Sandstrom. While he recognizes the potential of renewable energy like solar and wind, he is critical of digital currencies like Bitcoin.

“It’s a straight-up waste of energy at a time when we’re supposed to be reducing carbon gasses,” he said.

Despite the challenges ahead, Mr. Sandstrom is optimistic about young people’s ability to make a difference and the potential for innovations like carbon capture technology to reverse climate change.

“Young people are the future, and they’re the only ones that can make a difference for long-term change,” Sandstrom said.