Words by Tess Becker
Getting young people to work toward improving the climate and the future of the environment is instrumental for the planet. People like Greta Thunburg made headlines for doing impactful conservationist work when they should be worried about high school courses.
Groups of young climate activists have been doing similar work in the US through youth climate action groups. One of the first ones was in Los Angeles and is called the Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Council.
The Climate Council was launched in 2019 following youth marches regarding the climate and is a group of around 14 Los Angeles residents between the ages of 15 and 22 who work with the mayor, City Council, and other City employees to set and work on climate-related goals and initiatives.
The youth council has a lot of autonomy to do things like planting trees, resurfacing bus kiosks, and shaping policy. They then oversee any plans they set forth.
This gives young people a voice and a say in climate work in their community.
“The Council is really quite unique in that the members themselves lay out the agenda for their term,” said Victoria Simon, the former executive officer of sustainability for the City of Los Angeles.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
American Forest’s. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
