City of Houston’s Youth Climate Ambassadors Begin Partnership with EcoRise

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City of Houston’s Youth Climate Ambassadors Begin Partnership with EcoRise

 

HOUSTON – As Houston youth unwind from a busy school year, the City of Houston’s first-ever Youth Climate Ambassadors are hard at work finding creative ways to implement the Houston Climate Action Plan.

In conjunction with the City’s Office of SustainabilityEcoRise and the City’s Hire Houston Youth program, the Youth Climate Ambassador program was created to train young Houstonians to be climate leaders in their communities – raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and gathering feedback from historically underserved communities on climate challenges and environmental justice issues.

The program will allow young people to gain work experience, environmental training, and earn a paycheck to invest in their education.

«Young people are some of the best ambassadors on climate because they are inquisitive and care deeply about our planet,» said Mayor Sylvester Turner. «Our Youth Climate Ambassadors will serve as a critical link between the City and underrepresented and vulnerable communities and help us collaborate on innovative and inclusive climate action.»

The Youth Climate Ambassadors will undergo extensive training through EcoRise before collaborating with community organizations to engage communities of color, low and moderate-income households, immigrants and refugees, youth, and those with limited English proficiency on the CAP. Increasing youth participation to address climate change is crucial as the risks associated with urban heat, rain, drought, and extreme weather events continue to intensify over time.

Meet the City’s 2021 Youth Climate Ambassadors here.

«Youth perspective is imperative to engage communities in the Houston Climate Action plan» said Kristi Hibler-Luton, Program Director of EcoRise. «EcoRise is excited to expand our youth engagement program in Houston to give these bright, young adults the tools they need to become leaders in the civic process and enact change and climate resilience in their communities.»

Through EcoRise programming, the Youth Climate Ambassadors will grow their knowledge and understanding of the Houston Climate Action Plan, city resources, and community organizations that help support the work of the City of Houston. Ambassadors will be given the tools to examine equity and community climate issues through a data lens and enhance communication, surveying and evaluation, and community outreach while developing their voice and passion for this important work.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with the Office of Sustainability within the City of Houston,” said Evelina Torres. “Growing up, I have always had an interest in the environment, but with the increase of climate disasters and the growing threat of climate change within my community, I am passionate to be a part of the solution.”

“It has been so invigorating to inform underserved communities about climate change and the Houston Climate Action Plan,” said Devin Guevara. “Every time we pass out a flyer, give a presentation, or recite our elevator speeches, we provide communities the tools to take steps towards a more sustainable and equitable Houston.”

To connect or schedule a community engagement event with the Youth Climate Ambassadors, please contact Yaneth Calderon, Climate Equity Coordinator, at Yaneth.Calderon@houstontx.gov.