Some school clubs funded through a youth action climate program teach peers to grow their food and compost, encouraging less waste and richer soil. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Youth in West Sacramento have $50,000 to reduce climate change.

Recipients of the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action fund, youth in the City of West Sacramento know precisely where they want to distribute microgrant funds to youth-led climate initiatives through nonprofit partner Breathe California Sacramento Region.

“These youth-led projects demonstrate the passion our young people display in combatting climate change and working to improve climate resilience in the city,” said Mayor Martha Guerrero of the programs officially awarded in April.

Rewind to 2023, when the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28 met and C40, a city climate leadership group, reported on the global gathering of mayors at a Nations Climate Ambition Summit.

Area youth received $50,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action fund, which is implementing six programs to help reverse the negative effects of climate change. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

Bloomberg Philanthropies uses medical studies to make its point, citing a 2021 medical journal, the Lancet's Planetary Health Report.

“Climate change has important implications for the health and futures of children and young people, yet they have little power to limit its harm, making them vulnerable to climate anxiety,” according to the doctor-authored study. “This is the first large-scale investigation of climate anxiety in children and young people globally and its relationship with perceived government response.”

That study and the 2023 gatherings spearheaded immediate action.

According to a release by James Anderson, director of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Government Innovation Program, in April, “For cities to catalyze ever broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they'll need to continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models" and "solicit ideas and crowd in energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so vested in solving the climate crisis.”

West Sacramento is doing just that, with Mayor Guerrero pointing out the projects. Through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, mayors such as Guerrero are implementing the philanthropy philosophy with youth-led awareness, education, research and development initiatives, youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects and co-governed youth climate action plans.

City youth here brought six plans to the table, beginning with We Grow Urban Farm. This comprehensive community outreach and education program focuses on waste reduction through increased recycling, composting and the recovery of organic materials.

Next, the River City High Garden Club aims to assist adolescents in growing their own food while they learn about native plants. The initiative supports pollinators and promotes water conservation by encouraging the cultivation of flowers and drought-tolerant plants.

The program's goal, which is to reduce long-distance food transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, also focuses on composting and reducing food and green waste.

Also addressing transportation issues, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates encourages families to bike instead of drive, directly affecting transportation issues, including timeliness, congestion and safety.

Area youth received $50,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action fund, which is implementing six programs to help reverse the negative effects of climate change. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

City officials say the program fosters friendships and leadership skills among students while also reducing miles traveled. The program also improves localized air quality and encourages lifelong habits of choosing bikes for transportation, according to city officials. They also note that engaging in physical and social activity before classes helps students' behavior, focus, and performance in school.

The Environment Boulevard Club's proposal, led by two senior high school students, plans to “assemble a team of “environmentally passionate teens'” for community presentations, including arts and crafts workshops.

Sports even made it on the list with the fourth project, Sustainable Soccer, which aims to address plastic pollution and the circular economy. In the spirit of sports, Sustainable Soccer is teaming up with the next project leaders: the Youth Ambassadors.

Together, the two groups will seek out any used cleats available in the surrounding region to recycle.

“We look forward to seeing these projects take shape and make a lasting impact on the residents of West Sacramento and the Sacramento Region,” Guerrero said.