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Young people are leading the charge in climate activism as the climate crisis continues across the country. Many people have come together to save the future because of the climate crisis. Students can participate in climate action in San Diego in a variety of ways, including by writing newsletters, participating in climate action strikes, and lobbying for legislation in Sacramento.
KPBS interviewed four young activists as part of its KPBS Midday edition Earth Day 2022 special. San Diego 350’s Youth for Climate organization.
Courtesy Bee Mittermiller/ SanDiego350
Sienna Lang, 11, is passionate about climate change and writes an environmental newsletter.
“I am writing to you about my club that is going to be started. I believe that what I want to do, and spread the word, is to encourage people to take action. Lang said that the club is called an environmental club and it’s located at my school. “I was thinking about doing a trash pickup around my school. Maybe some writing letters to President Obama to help save 30% of our oceans. If he talks with charities and companies, I believe they can help. I think he could also spread the word.
Keala Minna Choe, 16, leads SanDiego350’s Youth v. OilThe team aims to pressure Governor Gavin Newsom to stop oil extraction in California. She also co-leads this initiative. San Diego Climate Reality Project Youth Environmental Action Project Pod.
“I grew in South Florida and was actually born during 2005’s hurricane season. I was directly affected by the climate crisis even though I didn’t know it. When I discovered more about climate change and the impact it had on my life, I knew I had to take action to stop it from causing further damage. Minna Choe stated that she wanted to preserve the future for everyone. “I believe that a lot youth care about the planet, especially as we have the most to lose due to the climate crisis. We have our entire lives ahead of us, and our futures are at stake.
Joe Orellana
Minna-Choe stated that there are many actions people can take to combat the climate crisis.
“I strongly encourage everyone to sign this petition, if you can.” Youth v. Oil petition. This petition urges the San Diego City Council adopt a resolution Youth v. Oil fully wrote and has fully advocated for, all by high-school students, Minna Choe stated.
Joe Orellana
Natalia Armenta, 17, works for various climate groups, such as Youth v. Oil and CA Youth vs. Big Oil, and is colead of San Diego Climate Reality Project Youth Environmental Action Project Pod.
“I can still remember the first time I learned about (climate changes) and seeing it in action as a child growing up in a low income community of color. The climate crisis made me very anxious, scared, and frustrated. Armenta stated that he could see the cost and the impact it would have on my future and on young people across the country and in particular those who are constantly facing this issue and being affected by health issues caused primarily by the climate crisis and fumes from the fossil fuel sector.
RELATED: How you can turn your climate anxiety into climate activism
Theo Martien17-year-old leads the charge Eco Club CoalitionHe is part of Youth v. Oil. He was a part of the writing and passing a resolutionStudents can present Earth Day at their schools through the San Diego Unified school District.
“Thinking back, I believe some of my first exposures to concepts like climate change or pollution in general were about simpler things like trash collection and recycling. Since I have lived in San Diego all my life, I am familiar with the importance of littering and recycling. I think it is, but as I have grown up, I have realized how much more serious this problem is than I initially thought. Martien stated that he has become more concerned about his future and the lives and well-being of those in front-line communities.
Joe Orellana
Martien stated that making a difference against climate changes was a collective effort.
“I don’t mean to discourage people from taking action, but collective action can solve the problems perpetuated in systems and our government. Individual action can be taken in our daily lives to support systemic action. But, as nice as individual actions are — and I’m not going to discourage them — we really need to step up and work together to solve things on a grander scale,” Martien said.
Megan Phelps, program coordinator at SanDiego350’s Youth4Climate, said students, teachers and adult supporters interested in helping make a difference on climate could join the team by filling out the SanDiego350 volunteer interest formYou can also indicate your interest in joining the Youth4Climate group
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