The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives in San Antonio has welcomed its fourth cohort comprising 31 local youths, representing various City Council districts and 18 different public, private, and charter schools. The Council's mission is to activate the next generation of climate champions to address community issues related to climate change, environmental policy, and environmental justice.

Luis, a newly appointed council member from the International School of the Americas, expressed his aspirations, stating, “By serving on this youth council, I hope to set a precedent for any young person who wants to make a change. I hope to lead by example and use this position to spread my ideas to those who influence policy. Serving on this youth council can open doors to a future in which I can make those differences myself, as the one in charge of making those policies. One way or another, I truly hope that I can make San Antonio a better city.”

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg commended the enthusiasm of young residents, saying, “Young San Antonio residents are eager to participate in local and global climate conversations to advocate for climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. I am proud of the Youth Engagement Council and their influence on our City’s sustainability efforts.”

Brittany Jayroe, EcoRise Senior Director, Youth Programs, emphasized the importance of youth perspectives in addressing climate and environmental challenges. She stated, “Youth offer incredibly unique perspectives on our current climate and environmental justice challenges and should play a key role in designing the solutions that will impact them for decades to come. The Mayor’s youth engagement council provides an important platform for youth to contribute their ideas, participate in intergenerational dialogue, and learn from and support the work frontline community organizations are already championing.”

The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives was established in 2020 to foster and include youth voices in the implementation of the City of San Antonio’s first Climate Action and Adaption Plan (CAAP).  The council was made possible by a grant from the Hollomon Price Foundation. For more information about EcoRise and last year’s council, visit Ecorise.org.