Milpitas HS student activist relishes experience at SVYCA Climate Change Summit

Milpitas HS student Nia Gupte with Senator Dave Cortese at the SVYCA Climate Summit on August 6.

At only 14 years old, Milpitas High School freshman activist Nia Gupte, founder of CliMatter: Because Climate Change Matters, is already rubbing elbows with the likes of State Senator Dave Cortese, who has worked alongside Governor Newsom to pass climate legislation. 

Gupte attended the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) Summit on August 6 in Cupertino, where she was able to make contacts with other student climate activists and exchange ideas on future endeavors.

SVYCA is a youth-led nonprofit that empowers teens and young adults to combat climate change with impactful education and policy initiatives. ​The all-day Climate Summit allowed young activists the opportunity to learn more about a wide range of vital environmental topics such as state legislation, green career options, environmental literacy and effective climate change action during a series of interactive workshops and educational speaker programs. Climate leaders from around Santa Clara County and elsewhere attended the event with local student leaders and city officials.
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“I primarily learned about the different pieces of climate legislation that are being passed through the state, and how it impacts the environmental well-being of our state, as well as other states in the country,” Gupte shared. “There were workshops involving the impact plastics bring upon our environment. Clean-up opportunities were provided.”

During the Summit, students were divided into small groups, where they discussed further steps for climate action in the future. Gupte shared her work with CliMatter, which she developed to raise awareness for the environment and climate change.

“There are a lot more student activists in the county than one may assume, and I’d love to see the movement grow bigger,” she said.

In addition to CliMatter, Gupte is an Outreach Coordinator for the Milpitas HS Environmental Society, which is planning to host some climate change events this school year. She also runs cross country and plans to join the track and field team in the spring.

“I would like to thank the MUSD Board of Education and Superintendent Jordan for guiding me since I started CliMatter,” said Gupte, who introduced CliMatter to the community during a MUSD board meeting. “They have all offered their help, and provided me amazing opportunities to strengthen the initiative. I hope to continue with my efforts in climate change literacy.” 

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