The students were from all over the world, with a majority coming from Peru and Chile to see what Oxford County is doing.
WOODSTOCK - Students from York University were touring Oxford County on Friday for their International Renewable Energy Academy.
These students come from across the globe to see what is going on in Oxford County. Dr. Jose Etcheverry explains why they bring their students to Woodstock.
"It's because it is the only place in Eastern North America or Eastern Canada to be more precise that has embraced the concept of going 100 percent renewable energy and zero waste. So we have a situation where the entire planet wants to learn how to decarbonize to solve problems like climate change, energy security and create local jobs. This place is like a living laboratory for us, we come from all over the world, we have been doing this for 3 years and we will continue to come for as long as Oxford County welcomes us here."
Etcheverry says Oxford County is a leader when it comes to renewable energy.
"The reason why we are here is because not only is the technology is here, the know how is here but the political commitment is here, having leaders like the Mayor of Woodstock Trevor Birtch that has embraced the concept of sustainability and innovation and it is showing that it is possible to create jobs by protecting the environment and we need to learn from that. The earth has 7.8 billion people that need to understand how to do what you are doing here."
The main thing they want students to learn is how to convince people to actually cooperate with zero waste and 100 percent renewable energy.

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