How Youth Can Partner with the New York State Climate Smart Communities Program
Many young people across New York State (NYS) are looking for ways to work with their local communities on climate action. Fortunately, NYS has a program that makes this easy: NYS Climate Smart Communities (CSC). This is a flexible, non-binding program and framework that provides a pathway for local governments to take climate action. Learn more about the CSC program at https://climatesmart.ny.gov/
There are many ways that youth can partner with their local governments to participate in the CSC program. Watch the video above to learn more, and start brainstorming about ways you can take action in your community. The Wild Center, in partnership with Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Office of Climate Change and NOAA’s Climate Program Office, created the video featuring youth leaders in Saranac Lake and Homer that are leading the charge for climate action and resilience in their rural communities. The video highlights work inspired by The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Summits, which convene young people across the country to learn about climate change science, impacts, and solutions. Youth leaders in Homer and Saranac Lake have provided valuable contributions, unique skills, and leadership to help their respective communities take action on climate change. Their enthusiasm and hard work helped both villages attain Bronze-level CSC certification in September 2020. To learn more about this accomplishment, read the official press release by the NYS DEC.