Pictured: The cover of the L.A. County Youth Climate Priorities Report. Photo credit: County of Los Angeles.
In recent years, the growing impacts of climate change have galvanized youth across the globe to demand action and advocate for sustainable policies. In Los Angeles County, this movement has been embodied by the establishment of the Youth Climate Commission (YCC). Formed in response to advocacy by local youth climate leaders, the YCC is the first of its kind in the nation and seeks to bring the voices and concerns of young people into government decision-making processes. Officially launched in June 2023, the YCC has initiated efforts to engage with youth in L.A. County and identify their climate priorities.
Why is the YCC important?
The YCC is an important initiative that underscores the importance of youth involvement in climate action, as explained below:
Empowering Youth Leadership
The YCC provides a platform for young people to actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect their future. By involving youth in policy discussions, the commission empowers them to voice their concerns, ideas, and solutions. This participatory approach ensures that climate policies are informed by the perspectives and experiences of those who will be most impacted by climate change.
Youth leadership in climate action is crucial because young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and a sense of urgency to the table. They are often more open to innovative solutions and willing to challenge the status quo. By nurturing these qualities, the YCC helps develop a new generation of climate leaders who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable change.
Promoting Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is a core principle guiding the work of the YCC. L.A. County is characterized by significant socio-economic and environmental disparities, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of pollution and climate impacts. The YCC aims to address these inequities by ensuring that the voices of young people from diverse backgrounds are heard and represented in climate policy-making.
The commission works to identify and address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities, advocating for policies that promote equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces. By focusing on environmental justice, the YCC helps create a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate action, ensuring that all county residents can benefit from a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Driving Meaningful Climate Action
The YCC is committed to advancing climate goals for the betterment of L.A. County. By harnessing the collective expertise and energy of its members, the YCC seeks to drive and support initiatives that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable development.
One of the key contributions of the YCC is its focus on education and outreach. The commission organizes and participates in workshops and events to raise awareness about climate change and inspire action among peers and the broader community. Through these efforts, the YCC fosters a culture of sustainability and empowers residents to take meaningful steps toward reducing their environmental footprint.
Inspiring Broader Societal Change
The impact of the YCC extends beyond the confines of L.A. County. As a model for youth engagement in climate action, the commission is inspiring other regions and institutions to adopt similar approaches. By showcasing the power and potential of youth leadership, the YCC helps to galvanize a national movement of young climate advocates.
Furthermore, the YCC serves as a reminder that addressing climate change requires a multi-generational effort. By working alongside experienced policymakers and experts, young people can contribute valuable insights and drive innovative solutions. This collaborative approach ensures that climate policies are both effective and reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.
What are the Climate Priorities for Youth?
Completed in April 2024, the Youth Climate Priorities Report is a comprehensive document resulting from the YCC's extensive outreach and data collection efforts. Through a combination of electronic and paper surveys, key informant interviews, and tabling at numerous community events, the YCC gathered over 1,300 responses from young people aged 18 and under. The survey, available in both English and Spanish, aimed to capture the most pressing climate concerns and the ways in which youth are already taking action to address these issues.
The findings of the survey reveal a clear and urgent set of priorities among L.A. County youth. Countywide, the top three climate priorities identified are:
- Cleaner Air
- Green Spaces
- Green Buildings
The overwhelming concern for cleaner air reflects the immediate impact of air quality on the health and well-being of young people. Green spaces, including parks and community/urban forests, are seen as essential for both promoting and supporting environmental health and community well-being. Meanwhile, green buildings represent a long-term commitment to sustainable development and energy efficiency.
In addition to these top priorities, the survey highlights the widespread belief among youth that their lives are being directly affected by climate change. About 91% of respondents reported that climate change impacts their daily lives, with notable effects on their mental health. Furthermore, over 70% of surveyed youth are already taking action to combat climate change, demonstrating a proactive and engaged mindset. The YCC's report not only outlines these priorities but also provides a roadmap for future action. The commission has amplified the report’s findings by sharing them with the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, other young people, and the general public.
To translate these priorities into tangible actions, the YCC is working on several fronts. The commission reviews and takes position on relevant legislation at the state and federal levels, advises the Board of Supervisors and county departments on policy development, and organizes district coalitions to address concerns that are specific to the supervisorial district each member represents. Additional initiatives include participating in the update or refresh of the OurCounty (L.A. County’s Sustainability Plan) and focusing on proposed legislation that aligns with the identified youth climate priorities such as S.4189 - Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2024.
Concluding Thoughts
The YCC and its completion of the Youth Climate Priorities Report demonstrate the power of youth advocacy and the importance of including young voices in climate policy discussions. By listening to and acting on the concerns of young people, L.A. County is taking proactive and significant steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future. The YCC's ongoing efforts will ensure that the priorities of youth continue to influence and shape the county's approach to addressing climate change, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for all residents.
Resources:
- Youth Climate Commission website
- Youth Climate Priorities Report
Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP, is a Senior Analyst with the Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office. He was previously a Departmental Facilities Planner with the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation.