Long Beach Launches Youth Climate Action Fund
This summer, Long Beach took a significant step towards its climate goals with the introduction of the ClimateLB Youth Climate Action Fund Microgrant Program. This initiative aims to empower local organizations by providing funds to support youth-led climate change mitigation projects, ensuring the active participation of the younger generation in climate action.
On August 21, the city revealed eight organizations that will implement sustainable projects, mostly focused on West Long Beach. Each chosen group will receive $5,000 in funding to back their proposed initiatives, which include reforestation, climate education, and public art campaigns designed to raise awareness.
Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of youth involvement, stating that through this program, innovative and inclusive projects will bring communities together to address climate change. The Office of Climate Action and Sustainability was responsible for selecting the recipients and will oversee the distribution of the funds.
This program supports the city’s broader goals, including the West Side Promise Program and the Long Beach Climate Action Plan. By aligning with these initiatives, the city aims to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for all its residents.
Empowering Youth through Community-Led Solutions
Fern Nueno, the Climate Manager, highlighted the program’s impact on the community. She noted that investing in community-led solutions is pivotal for achieving the Long Beach Climate Action Plan’s objectives. The program allows local youth to design and lead projects, giving them a voice in how resources are allocated.
Nueno expressed excitement about the potential achievements through the grant, stating, “It’s important to empower residents to make decisions about how resources are allocated.” The program is expected to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth, encouraging them to take active roles in sustainable initiatives.
Funds will be distributed by September 30, with the expectation that the money will be used by December 31. This timeline ensures that the projects can be executed swiftly, allowing for immediate impact and benefits to the community.
Highlighted projects include a variety of initiatives:
- Art contests promoting environmental conservation.
- Drone camps teaching innovative climate solutions.
- Gardening and composting programs for youth.
Spotlight on Awarded Projects
Associated Mothers in Action will host an art contest called “Climate Change and Environment Art”, aimed at raising awareness among youth aged 15-24. This initiative will engage young people in creative expressions of environmental conservation, fostering a deeper connection to climate issues.
California Youth Empowerment Services plans to launch the “Sky Guardians: Youth Climate Patrol”. This unique camp will teach participants how to use drones to develop innovative projects addressing climate challenges, blending technology with environmental stewardship.
Earthlodge Center for Transformation is set to implement “We Fight with our Forest”, an environmental and climate justice project. Youth will have opportunities to engage in gardening, composting, and permaculture, learning hands-on techniques for sustainable land management.
H.E.L.P. of Long Beach will focus on identifying and educating about heat islands in urban areas. Their project, “Helping Environmentally Low-Income Properties”, will involve high school students in community outreach, highlighting the importance of drought-tolerant native landscapes.
Future Prospects for Youth-Led Climate Action
The Long Beach Bar Foundation and Shortstop Youth Projects are launching a “Youth Climate Education” initiative. This project aims to empower young people to conduct interactive presentations at local schools, spreading knowledge about climate issues and solutions.
Poly High School will engage students in a garden club project, “Festival of Gardening and Butterflies Plants”. Participants will learn about planting seeds, starting seedlings, and creating terrariums, culminating in a festival where they can share their knowledge and distribute plants.
The Jewel Box Children’s Theater is organizing “West Long Beach Trashion”, where youth will collect trash to create art projects. These creations will be showcased in a fashion show, or “Trashion Show,” blending artistic expression with environmental education.
Youth Leadership Institute’s project, “Voicewaves: Climate Edition”, will educate participants on media production and climate issues. Youth will create and distribute a climate-focused journalism piece or zine, enhancing their communication skills and raising awareness in the community.
morganmirage
Realy impressed with the variety of projects! From drones to gardening, the kids are going to learn so much.
BentleyJourney
Are there any plans to continue funding these groups beyond this year? Sustainability is key!
luke0
Thank you, Long Beach, for supporting youth-driven climate action. This is a step in the right direction!
layla
Great job to the youth involved. Can’t wait to see the “West Long Beach Trashion” show! Sounds like a blast! 😂
morgan_titan
Wow, $5,000 per group! Is that really enough to make a significant impact on these projects?
daisyamethyst
So excited to see this initiative! 🌱 Does anyone know how the organizations were selected?