Across the Bay Area, there is a growing movement to elevate the voices of communities most vulnerable to sea level rise. Recent years have seen a surge in community-based climate leadership programs, innovative coalition-building efforts, and stronger partnerships between public agencies and local organizations. These people-centered initiatives are transforming the adaptation landscape by building local capacity, embedding equity into planning and project design, and ensuring that frontline residents shape the future of climate resilience in the region.
From months-long fellowship programs that broaden climate literacy and help build the leadership of tomorrow, to hands-on experiences in conservation efforts, these programs are carving out a place at the table for community members where adaptation decisions are made.
Many initiatives have emerged around the region. This page is part of the full Bay Adapt Impact Report 2021-2025 (explore full report here). Click the titles to access resources.
Empowering San Francisco youth to restore and protect shorelines
Who: BCDC and the Exploratorium
Youth learning and leading on environmental justice issues
Who: Rose Foundation
Training Fairfield and Suisun City residents as grassroots climate leaders
Who: Greenbelt Alliance and Sustainable Solano
Canal District community members shaping local sea level rise solutions
Who: Canal Alliance in San Rafael
Youth voices guiding estuary restoration and climate adaptation
Who: San Francisco Estuary Partnership with Nuestra Casa, Mycelium Youth Network, and Restore the Delta
Building environmental literacy and green careers across the Bay
Who: San Francisco Estuary Partnership with Nuestra Casa, Mycelium Youth Network, and Restore the Delta
Neighbors co-creating climate resilience in vulnerable communities
Who: Climate Resilient Communities (CRC)
Oakland youth advancing climate justice through lived experience
Who: Frontline Catalysts
Immigrant and low-income residents advocating for climate equity
Who: Nuestra Casa
Students designing climate solutions in Oakland and San Francisco
Who: Mycelium Youth Network and local schools