CEC Climate Stewards attended a field trip at the UC Santa Barbara North Campus Open Space to learn about restoration and the protective barrier wetlands provide against sea level rise and other climate impacts. Photo by Kristen Weiss.
Climate Leadership
Our Vision
With the increase in catastrophic climate events, we need more people to take an active role in protecting our communities. CEC is building networks of diverse, engaged activists who are equipped to champion rigorous climate action in their neighborhoods, businesses, and homes. Together, we can move at the unprecedented pace required to reverse, repair, and protect against climate threats.
In 2023, CEC:
Opened the Environmental Hub, a 10,000-square-foot epicenter for community activism, education, entrepreneurship, media, and art, located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Since opening in July, the Hub has hosted more than 200 meetings and events.
Piloted our first youth climate workshop, adapting CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program for middle and high school students so they learn about climate change and feel empowered to take immediate climate action.
Informed, activated, and guided more than 55,000 individuals on climate action through events, meetings, and webinars.
“CEC’s youth climate workshops are an amazing way to learn about new ways to help in your community and meet new people who are passionate about the environment.”
—Valentina, 10th Grade
San Marcos High School
What’s Ahead
Continue to grow the network of 154 CEC Climate Steward alumni, and counting, to provide ongoing support and resources, and to evaluate the impact of their grassroots leadership in communities across our region.
HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION
Join our on-the-ground corps of local climate volunteers
CEC’s Climate Stewards course guides participants toward understanding the psychology and science behind climate change while building greater community connections and teaching what we can do as individuals. Participants who complete all course requirements become certified Climate Stewards.
Attend an Event or Webinar
Join one of CEC’s many in-person and virtual opportunities to learn about important climate topics and engage with experts, activists, artists, and more. From webinars and workshops to courses and festivals, CEC offers a variety of ways to get inspired. View upcoming events.
Attend Our Next Youth Climate Workshop
Students in sixth through twelfth grade interested in taking bold climate action are invited to join CEC staff, CEC Climate Steward alumni, and community leaders for this free workshop on how to communicate about and take action on climate change. Workshops incorporate art, discussion, guest speakers, and more. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to be alerted about the next workshop.
Host an Event at CEC’s Environmental Hub
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara’s ARTS District, CEC’s state-of-the-art Environmental Hub offers 10,000 square feet of innovative and collaborative space for gatherings of all kinds. CEC offers discounted rates to nonprofits, and strives to nurture community collaboration and innovation. Learn more and reserve the space.
WHAT CEC IS DOING
Training a corps of citizen climate volunteers
Through our Climate Stewards certification course and Youth Climate Workshops, CEC is equipping current and future climate leaders with the skills and tools needed to take climate action now. We teach the Climate Stewards course through a partnership with the University of California Office of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This certification program aims to build a committed corps of local climate volunteers. Through coursework and hands-on experience, individuals prepare to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to the climate crisis. Similarly, our Youth Climate Workshops, designed for students in sixth through twelfth grade, empower the next generation to communicate about and take action on climate issues affecting their community.
Bringing together diverse voices
CEC is sparking innovative climate action through programming on the Climate Action Stage at our Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival and through the development of monthly education and community events at our Environmental Hub.
