Youth climate equity group names new class

Austin’s Youth Climate Equity Council has a new cohort. Recently, 33 youth leaders were named to the council, which was established to give younger climate activists a chance to engage in and influence local initiatives. This year, students will focus on the city’s Climate Equity Plan, looking at initiatives on sustainability and implementation of the 2021 plan. “I hope to make effective change through education and policy in Austin – and to help organize youth to not only understand the science but to find solutions to the problem that will affect us for the rest of our lives,” newly appointed youth council member Ellison from the Ann Richards School for Young Women said in a statement to the press. “My goal is to organize a movement into action – to make policy changes to stop industries from continuing to harm our communities and our futures, incentivize new industries to innovate solutions, and build new infrastructure to protect those most vulnerable to extreme climate events.” The council is a collaboration between nonprofit EcoRise and the city’s Office of Sustainability.