FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Joyia Emard, Joyia.Emard@cv.ca.gov, 279-220-3530
State Calling on One Million Californians to Take Climate Action Has People Talking
California is launching Climate Action Counts to empower one million Californians to take climate action at home and in their neighborhoods.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement today during Climate Week about the Climate Action Counts initiative has business, education, government and nonprofit leaders talking.
Climate Action Counts is a call to action to empower one million Californians to take climate action at home and in their neighborhoods to help build resilient communities.
The campaign is led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and hopes to educate and inspire individuals to reimagine the power of volunteerism by taking impactful, everyday climate actions in their communities.
The campaign highlights 10 priority actions and encourages participants to take the pledge to take action at ClimateActionCounts.com. Those taking the pledge join hundreds of California Climate Action Corps fellows in efforts to combat the effects of climate change.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“The best solutions to the climate crisis come from the grassroots. We’re partnering with the Climate Action Counts campaign to help one million Californians build thriving communities while protecting the natural world. Everyone has a role to play in this movement.” — Corley Kenna, Patagonia Vice President of Communications and Public Policy
“We are proud to take part in the Governor’s Climate Action Counts initiative. We believe in creating a sustainable future and taking care of our planet. Vision 2030 of the California Community Colleges calls for expanding our system’s role in climate change resiliency and preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow, as they are the future leaders and innovators who will shape the world we live in.” — California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian
“With our 180,000 members in California, Sierra Club is uniquely positioned to help mobilize a grassroots movement for climate action. By partnering with the Climate Action Counts campaign, we can inspire our members to take meaningful steps and connect them to a broader community of advocates. Together, we can activate this incredible network to reach our goal of engaging 1 million Californians in our shared mission for a sustainable future.” — Bobbi Jo Chavarría, Sierra Club California
“California ReLeaf is very pleased to be a part of California Volunteers’ Climate Action Counts Initiative. Planting and caring for neighborhood trees is vital for community health and climate resilience. With this campaign, we look forward to helping connect many more Californians with grassroots tree planting and urban greening action and activities all over the state. Together, we can make a difference with every tree we plant and nurture.” — Cindy Blain, California ReLeaf Executive Director
“The California State University is proud to partner with Governor Newsom and others to inspire volunteerism and elevate awareness of climate change through the Climate Action Counts Campaign. As an established leader in climate resiliency research, sustainability practices and climate change education, we look forward to engaging all Californians in this vitally important work.” — CSU Chancellor Dr. Mildred García
“The beauty of Climate Action Counts is how it encourages Californians to embrace small changes in our lives as a means toward larger change. Reducing waste and shopping at farmers’ markets are steps we can take locally toward a global change.” — Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson
“This campaign is an important reminder that every single one of us can have an impact on advancing climate goals. I encourage all Sacramentans and Californians to take this pledge – start composting, plant a drought-tolerant garden, or try biking or carpooling to work. As cities continue to advance climate policies, there are many ways for every resident to make an impact.” — Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Led by California Volunteers, campaign partners include cities, colleges and universities, state agencies, community-based organizations, business and climate leaders including the cities of Long Beach, Riverside and Sacramento, University of California, California Community Colleges, California State University, California Energy Commission, California Natural Resources Agency, CalRecycle, California ReLeaf, Sierra Club, Jane Goodall Institute and Patagonia.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Joyia Emard, JoyiaEmard@cv.ca.gov, 279-220-3530.
B-roll: Volunteers taking climate action
Photos: Community Climate Action Days
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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
