Milpitas student advocate hopes to bring local chapter of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
By Celine Sims, MUSD student and a member of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action’s Nature-Based Solutions team
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) is a group led by young people who care about protecting the environment, and the San José team is one of its most active groups. Instead of just talking about climate change, they focus on real actions that students and families can take in their daily lives.
SVYCA wants to branch out into more cities; and one of our goals is to start a Milpitas action team so more students in nearby communities can get involved. By expanding into Milpitas, they can share their ideas, run new campaigns, and build a stronger network of young climate leaders.
One of their newest projects is the “Bring Your Own Cup” campaign. The idea is simple: bring a reusable cup instead of using disposable ones. It might seem like a small change, but when lots of people do it, it can reduce a huge amount of waste. The San José team hopes this campaign will make people think more about their everyday habits and how they affect the planet.
They are also starting a Nature-Based Solutions video contest. This contest invites students to create short videos about how nature can help solve climate problems. For example, students might talk about places like Coyote Valley or explain how plants, trees, and open spaces can help clean the air or prevent flooding. It’s a chance for students to be creative while also learning about real environmental solutions. Learn more about the competition at https://svycanbs-contest.com/
Through climate education, library presentations, and campaigns, SVYCA’s San José team is helping young people become leaders for a better, more sustainable future. Learn more about SVYCA’s work at https://www.svyouthclimateaction.org/