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Youth Powering Our Future

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Teaching, inspiring, and motivating Archie Williams High School students about clean energy at our Cooley Quarry Solar Project in Novato.

Creating a Sustainable Future Starts With You

Youth advocates around the globe have become a driving force for climate action. Get inspired, learn, and take action with these resources for young environmental leaders.
“I want to work toward zero emissions in our community. However difficult, that’s the dream that I have for our future … I’m motivated by achieving a better future for the next generation in Richmond. My role models are the Richmond youths and residents because they inspire me to learn about environmentalism and to work harder every day.”

Kevin

Member, Richmond/San Pablo Steering Committee for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Community Emission Reduction Plan, Richmond

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“Young people are inheriting a broken earth with a battered environment. If we don’t use our voices to keep pushing for change and holding leaders accountable, the situation won’t improve. The negative impacts of climate change and the crisis we’re facing can feel overwhelming, but inaction isn’t the answer. We hope our voices can help people see a way forward.”

Rhys and Sloan

Co-founders of Lamorinda Bees, Moraga
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“Many students in the United States don’t have access to adequate climate education … My hope for the future is that climate education is integrated into every part of the curriculum and that young people are given the chance to dive deeper into social issues.”

Sarah

Founder, Climate NOW, and Chair, Corte Madera Climate Action Committee, Corte Madera
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“At the start of my organizing journey, I felt like I didn’t belong. At protests, I saw primarily white and wealthy people who didn’t look like me, and climate justice organizers often used words that I didn’t understand … I want new organizers in all social justice movements to remember that they belong … I want to be the role model that I didn’t have while growing up, so that other young people can see themselves in this movement.”

Elizabeth

Leader, Youth vs. Apocalypse (YVA), Richmond
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“You can make a difference, no matter the size. I know it can seem overwhelming, but just take it one step at a time; for example, take shorter showers, avoid eating meat, join a local organization, and, most importantly, keep learning. Encourage your friends and family to follow suit. Find something you’re passionate about, and don’t stop.”

Alexi

 Former Chair, Sustainable Leaders in Action (SLIA), Brentwood

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“The voices of the younger generations will be the most powerful and influential in creating change that will positively affect our world. If you’re passionate about a cause and put in the effort and research to propose a course of action to the right people, you will be taken seriously as an agent of change.”

Ella

Advocate, Deep Green 100% Renewable Energy, San Anselmo

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“The way most of us live isn’t sustainable. We can all make a difference by reducing food waste, cutting down on meat consumption, being mindful of our purchasing, and choosing green transportation options … Our choices regarding the environment affect our air, water, and food sources. Every individual can make a difference.”

Meredith

Member, Corte Madera Climate Action Committee, Corte Madera
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Learn

Dive into the world of clean energy and climate action with these educational resources.

Energy 101

Filed 802 Forms from MCE

Energy Basics

Wind farms in northern California

Wind Power

Daggett Solar in California

Solar Power

Biogas plant with cows on a farm

Bioenergy

Geothermal Energy

Hydropower

Thermal Image of the House analysis

Energy Efficiency

electrification with an electric stove in kitchen

Electrification

Climate 101

Climate Change Basics

Climate Change and the Natural World

Youth Engagement and Education

Climate Change and Human Health

Youth Engagement and Education during times of drought

Climate Change and Your Community

Movement for climate justice in CA

What is Climate Justice?

Youth Climate Activism

Climate_Activism_MCE

Climate Conscious Actions

MCE Vulnerable Communities

Vulnerable Communities and Climate Change

Resources for Educators

Are you an educator or youth-serving organization looking for teaching resources? Explore free clean energy and climate change presentations, activities, and resources K–12 students.
Educator Toolkits

Take Action

Youth Climate Education Toolkit

Our Youth Climate Education Toolkit covers climate change basics, sustainable living practices, ways to get involved in the fight against climate change, and additional resources to expand your climate knowledge.
Download the Toolkit
Youth Engagement and Education

Join a community organization

Find opportunities to join local climate action or sustainability efforts at youth-led organizations or local environmental organizations.
Discover Local Efforts

Green your energy use

Turn Off the Lights When Leaving a Room

Make it a habit to turn off lights when you leave a room. This simple action can save a significant amount of electricity over time.

Approximately 30 percent of the energy used in most buildings today is either used unnecessarily or inefficiently.

Shift Energy Use Outside 4–9 pm

California is most likely to rely on fossil fuel generation from 4–9 pm. When possible, run major appliances like washing machines and dishwashers outside these hours to reduce emissions.

To use the cleanest energy, shift your use to prime solar power generation hours from late morning to mid-afternoon. More 4–9 pm tips here.

Use Smart Power Strips

Utilize smart power strips to automatically cut power to electronics that are not in use. This prevents energy wastage from devices in standby mode.
Up to 10% of residential electricity use is from appliances draining energy when they’re not in use.

Turn Off Game Consoles

Ensure that game consoles are fully powered down and unplugged when not in use. Some consoles have a standby mode that still consumes energy.
Standby power costs the average U.S. household about $100 per year.

Embrace Layered Clothing

In cooler seasons, wear layered clothing to stay warm without relying heavily on heating systems.
Heating and cooling systems make up the largest percentage of home energy consumption.

Wash Laundry in Cold Water

Cold-water washing cleans just as effectively for most loads of laundry. It also saves energy, reduces emissions, and helps your clothing last longer.
Water heating makes up about 90% of energy used by the average washing machine.

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