After learning about climate impacts across Washington, the ten Climate Leadership Fellows selected extreme heat as the focus of their spring projects. From urban heat islands in Seattle to increasing heatwaves in Spokane, Fellows are responding to how heat is showing up in their communities by designing and leading their own projects and events.
Throughout the month of May, Fellows will partner with schools and community centers to lead lessons and community events focused on staying safe during extreme heat. They’ll share information about how to find local cooling centers and what resources are available nearby. Each event also includes a hands-on seed ball making activity, with participants taking home native seeds, planting instructions, and information about how green spaces can help reduce heat over time.
EarthGen’s Climate Leadership Fellows program brings together young people from across Washington to explore climate impacts, connect with peers across the state, and take on projects in their communities. As Fellow Lucas Darrow shared, “Young people need to be at the head of movement spaces, and this experience gave me the chance to lead.”