Fountain of Youth
Fountain of Youth
The Youth Climate Commission has become a well-spring of advice to local policymakers working to improve community resilience.
L.A. County’s Youth Climate Commission is composed of 25 young people who advise policymakers on climate change issues. Established by the Board of Supervisors in 2023, the Commission works to strengthen County leadership on climate mitigation and adaptation by amplifying the perspectives and priorities of local youth from every district. The YCC is coordinated by the Chief Sustainability Office, and Commissioners advise the Board of Supervisors and County departments on the County’s climate-related goals, plans, actions, policies and initiatives. With the Commission releasing its Annual Report, we take a deeper dive into this unique group.
Why did the County form the Youth Climate Commission?
The Youth Climate Commission (YCC) was formed to ensure that young people have a formal and meaningful role in shaping Los Angeles County’s climate policies. A Board of Supervisors’ 2013 motion led to the creation of the Commission -- inspired by the advocacy of local youth leadership, originating from an idea developed by Kevin J. Patel (now Commission Chair), and advanced in collaboration with Delaney Michaelson. The YCC model ensures young people have a voice in shaping local climate strategies, mitigation, and adaptation efforts. The Commission reflects the County’s recognition that climate justice must include intergenerational collaboration and that young people are essential partners in building an equitable, resilient future.
What are its overarching goals?
The Commission’s goals are centered on empowering young residents to engage with and inform County climate action. It seeks to institutionalize youth participation in decision-making, expand access to environmental education and green career opportunities, and ensure that community-based solutions are prioritized in County policy. Guided by these goals, the YCC works to strengthen climate resilience, advance environmental justice, and foster long-term sustainability for all County communities.
What types of initiatives have we been seeing in communities? What’s on tap for the future?
The Youth Climate Priorities Report reflected that clean air is the top priority for youth across L.A. County, and in response, the YCC worked with young people to launch diverse initiatives through the YCC Clean Air Mini-Grant Program. These include projects focused on clean air research, tree planting, anti-idling and sustainable transportation campaigns at schools, and car-free zones in South LA. The enthusiasm and innovation of these efforts illustrate the depth of community commitment to local action. Looking ahead, the Commission will continue expanding these programs, cultivating partnerships with County departments, and investing in long-term systems for youth-driven environmental impact.
What are some of the biggest surprises/wins that popped out in assembling this year’s Annual Report?
This year’s Annual Report highlights the remarkable growth of youth participation in County climate efforts. The YCC was invited to participate and speak at 19 events, hosted nine district coalition meetings focused on youth, tabled 19 community events, and submitted two letters of recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. This reflects that in just the two years since the YCC was formed, youth engagement on sustainability has significantly expanded, and the YCC has become a resource for both the community and County government alike. In addition, leadership from Washington D.C. to Germany to Serbia have consulted with the YCC on opportunities to develop a similar structure in their own jurisdictions so that youth have a voice well beyond LA County.
How does having youth guiding the process differ than having more seasoned leaders directing programs? What unique perspectives and/or talents do youth bring?
Youth leadership brings a sense of urgency, creativity, and inclusivity to every stage of decision-making. Commissioners draw on their lived experiences, what they see in their schools, neighborhoods, and families, to reimagine climate solutions that are both innovative and equitable. Their ability to connect across disciplines and generations brings a level of imagination and authenticity that reinvigorates institutional approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the County benefits from a richer, more holistic vision of what climate action can achieve.
How do we stay optimistic when there’s such a steady drumbeat in the news about climate-related setbacks, e.g. the recent international report about coral reefs reaching an insurmountable tipping point?
Optimism is sustained through action, collaboration, and shared purpose. The YCC continues to find hope in the growing number of young leaders stepping forward to create solutions within their communities. Every project, partnership, and conversation reinforces that progress is possible when collective energy is directed toward regeneration rather than despair. By honoring both grief and determination, the Commission models resilience and demonstrates that hope can be a powerful form of climate action.
How can older residents support the work of the YCC?
Intergenerational partnership is vital to meaningful climate progress. Older residents can support the YCC by amplifying youth-led work, mentoring young changemakers, advocating for youth representation in decision-making spaces, and spreading the word about the Commission. It’s important to also value youth voice in your position of power. Be the one who asks - what do youth have to offer on this topic? When every generation contributes its strengths, experience, creativity, and vision, Los Angeles County moves closer to a just and sustainable future for all.