In der Reihe #BecauseOfYouth Spotlight werden junge Umweltschützer aus dem Dienstgebiet von MCE vorgestellt, die sich im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel engagieren.
Liliana Karesh (she/her) is a dedicated youth climate advocate and co-president of Napa Schools For Climate Action (NS4CA). Liliana plays a vital role in the group by coordinating projects within Napa County. Motivated by the traumatic 2017 Napa wildfires, Liliana is committed to preventing future catastrophes by addressing the impact of global warming. She envisions a clean future where society prioritizes restoring the climate to pre-pollution conditions.
An welcher Art von Projekten oder Initiativen haben Sie in Ihrer Gemeinde gearbeitet?
As a co-leader of NS4CA, I helped facilitate and complete many projects within Napa County. We hosted a Creative Piece Contest for Napa County high schoolers. That contest, titled Our Future Is in Your Hands, brought awareness to the climate crisis through creative expression. Additionally, we pushed for a ban on new and expanded gas stations. Through our efforts, we obtained ordinances in American Canyon, Calistoga, and Yountville. We also helped the City of Napa pass a moratorium pending zoning code amendment and a St. Helena resolution to amend the zoning code. This effort was done as a part of our Fossil Free Future Project, which calls for net-zero emissions by or before the year 2030.
Most recently, we created a Climate Restoration Resolution, which focuses on implementing elements of Climate Restoration and Literacy in the Napa Valley Unified School District curricula. Currently, we are focusing on extending the ban on new and expanded gas stations to all of Napa County and relaunching the Creative Piece Contest. We also conduct various community presentations to educate our community about climate restoration and fossil fuel consumption.
Warum haben Sie sich entschlossen, Ihrer Organisation/Ihrem Club beizutreten und sich in der Gemeinde zu engagieren?
During the Napa County wildfires in 2017, I experienced the effects of the climate catastrophe firsthand. My family had many discussions about how the blazing wildfires directly resulted from global warming. From then on, I knew I wanted to work in the environmental field and make my mark in helping stop the climate catastrophe. My older sister, Alisa Karesh, engaged with various environmental organizations and enacted change within Napa County. Inspired by her work, I launched my own climate activism journey after I entered high school by immersing myself in various climate policy organizations, such as Napa Schools For Climate Action, Napa Sierra Club, and engaging with Congressman Mike Thompson’s office.
Welche Ideen haben Sie, um unsere Welt grüner und sauberer zu machen?
First, we must cut the pollution at the source. Stop emitting further harm and bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by or before 2030. We must also restore our climate to pre-pollution conditions by utilizing natural climate restorers, such as ocean-iron fertilization, and other technology to remove pollutants from our atmosphere. Finally, we must stop polluting the Earth and reduce pollutants through climate restoration.
Was ist Ihre schönste Erinnerung an Ihre Organisation/Ihren Club?
One of my favorite memories from being a co-president of Napa Schools For Climate Action is when co-president, Allison Bencsik, and I, presented during the Yountville City Town Council meeting. We presented two main asks:
- Pass an ordinance prohibiting establishment of new gas stations and expansion of existing gas stations.
- Strengthen the Tree-Protection Ordinance to prevent further deforestation efforts.
It was one of the first times I felt the true power of engaging with local government, as Alison and I progressed from public commenting, to meeting with government officials, to requesting an official agenda item, and then to presenting our asks to the Town Council. It was so gratifying that both asks were adopted.
