North Austin News

33 local youth leaders have been selected to join the Austin Youth Climate Equity Council, a platform for the next generation of climate advocates in Austin. The council aims to connect young people to city initiatives and leaders, foster collaboration between different generations, and design solutions to address sustainability and climate equity in the city.

Representing each City Council district and 13 area schools, these young leaders will play a crucial role in implementing Austin's Climate Equity Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in September 2021. The plan focuses on making the city more resilient, inclusive, and healthy for all in the face of the climate crisis.

One of the newly appointed council members, Ellison from the Ann Richards School for Young Women, expressed their hope to create effective change through education and policy in Austin. Ellison emphasized the importance of organizing youth to understand the science behind climate issues and find solutions that will impact their lives and the future. They highlighted the need to make policy changes, incentivize innovative solutions, and build infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities from extreme climate events.

As members of the council, these young leaders will have the opportunity to learn about sustainability, civic procedures, and environmental justice. They will participate in project-based civic learning experiences, engage in local policy discussions, and involve their communities in sustainability initiatives. Throughout the academic year, they will collaborate with City departments and mentors from community-based organizations to deepen their impact.

Zach Baumer, the Interim Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed his excitement about the involvement of these young leaders in local climate action. He recognized their contribution as vital to Austin's journey towards a more sustainable and equitable city. Baumer looks forward to the ideas and solutions they will bring to the table.

Brittany Jayroe, the Senior Director of Youth Programs at EcoRise, emphasized the unique perspectives that young people offer in tackling climate and environmental justice challenges. She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in designing long-term solutions that will shape their future. The Youth Climate Equity Council provides a platform for youth to learn and contribute to the important climate equity work happening in Austin communities.

The Austin Youth Climate Equity Council is led and facilitated by EcoRise, a national sustainability education nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Austin's Office of Sustainability. EcoRise has been mobilizing students as sustainability leaders since 2008, focusing on K–12 environmental literacy, climate justice, and equitable access to green career pathways.

The City of Austin's Office of Sustainability works towards creating a thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient community. Their goals include achieving net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, promoting a healthy and just local food system, implementing resource-efficient strategies for municipal operations, and building a resilient and adaptive city.

The selection of these 33 local youth leaders for the Austin Youth Climate Equity Council reflects the city's commitment to involving young people in climate action and creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. Their voices and ideas will contribute to shaping Austin's path towards a more resilient and inclusive city.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/33-local-youth-leaders-selected-austin-youth-climate-equity-council