Youth4Climate's Activism Pushes for Climate Justice in California

San Diego 350’s Youth4Climate is a youth team that is building a movement to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and injustice. They work for a better future through education, outreach, advocacy and mobilizing other youths to take action. For example, the Youth v. Oil campaign is working to phase out fossil fuels and stop oil drilling in California. This past year they had a significant win with Big Oil to withdraw its referendum to overturn the oil setback law on the 2024 ballot due to pressure from activists.

Youth4Climate has been busy this past year! Alongside their Youth v. Oil campaign they also focused on expanding their reach within San Diego County. Youth4Climate has supported youth activists in starting Eco-Clubs at their schools, planning school climate strikes, organizing Earth Week programming and working on climate campaigns. To achieve this Youth4Climate held multiple in-person events culminating in the annual Youth4Climate Summit where over 50 attendees gathered to learn from youth activist on how to make a difference in their schools and communities. 

Youth Art and Community Building Event

Specifically, Youth4Climate increased the number of Eco-Clubs to 14 active clubs throughout the county. These clubs hosted events such as the Eco-Club Coalition Vinyls & Visions social, where youth gathered together to build community, participate in a sustainable art activity, and discuss ideas for future community projects.

Youth4Climate also saw an increase in participation in demonstrations such as the School Climate Strike which took place last fall and through Earth Week programming. 

Youth Activists Work for Electrification Resolution

One notable example of youth organizing was The School Electrification Campaign which passed an electrification resolution at Sweetwater Union High School District. Youth worked with Hilltop High School’s eco-club to gather letters of support, co-write the electrification resolution, host a rally, and speak to school board members. They successfully passed the resolution which is a huge win for South Bay which faces some of the worst air pollution in the County.

Earth Rising is proud to support the work of Youth4Climate. The empowerment and support of youth activists should give us all hope for a more just and sustainable future. We thank SanDiego350 for supporting this work and pushing forward such important causes.